The opioid epidemic in Vermont has continued to worsen, with a record 237 overdose deaths in 2022. As a member of the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee, I have been a vocal advocate for focusing on harm reduction measures that will save the lives of Vermonters caught up in this horrible epidemic. This session, we passed H.222/Act 22 which appropriates $8,196,000 from the Opioid Abatement Special Fund based on recommendations of the Committee. The Fund will distribute more than $100 million over the next 18 years from funds awarded to the State of Vermont through legal settlements with pharmaceutical companies complicit in creating and exacerbating the opioid epidemic. This money must be spent on measures to address the epidemic, including treatment, harm reduction, and prevention.
The funds in Act 22 will support greater distribution of the overdose reversal medicine naloxone (Narcan) through multi-faceted measures such as through vending machines or kiosks, frontline and first responder kits, and mail-order packs. The bill funds 26 new frontline outreach workers at locations throughout the state, drug testing supplies, and additional care and treatment support. The legislation also funds four additional satellite locations in the Vermont’s Hub and Spoke treatment program to provide medication for opioid use disorder, including one in Addison County. For more information on the funding distribution in Act 22, see the Joint Fiscal Office fiscal note.
Act 22 also includes measures to improve access and reduce barriers to to treatment, recovery, and vital harm reduction services, including limiting requirements for medication prior authorizations and “fail first” protocols. The legislation implements cutting edge measures such as drug checking sites that will allow individuals to confidentially test substances for the presence of especially deadly drugs like fentanyl and xylazine, preventing deadly overdoses and helping law enforcement and the Department of Health monitor the elicit drug supply in Vermont. Act 22 also makes changes to local zoning requirements to make it easier to site recovery residences and the FY24 state budget appropriates funding to support additional recovery housing beds. I have been a persistent voice in the State House, reminding my colleagues that we must act swiftly to bring more resources and a focus on harm reduction measures to address this crisis because Vermonters are dying. I am eager to see the results of this important legislation.
Photo note: The header photo is an image of the Memorial Wall at Jenna’s Promise, a comprehensive opioid use recovery program in Johnson, Vermont. The Senate Health and Welfare Committee visited the program in April, just before passage of H.222. Their work, and the efforts of hundreds of others on the front lines of this crisis will be supported by this crucial legislation.
Ruth for Vermont 