Atlanta, Georgia – Fulton County has approved another round of financing to help those who are addicted to opioids have more treatment and recovery choices. At their meeting on December 17, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted to give more than $640,000 in opioid settlement money to local groups who are working on the front lines of prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery.
Georgia’s portion of a federal settlement with drug corporations accused of contributing to the opioid epidemic by pushing drugs too hard and giving out too many prescriptions is what pays for the money. Fulton County got its first payment from the settlement in late 2024. This made it possible for the county to invest in evidence-based solutions to opioid use disorder.
County officials noted that the Opioid Abatement Regional Advisory Council oversaw a thorough assessment process that looked at submissions from community providers all around the county before making decisions about financing. The council was established up in 2024 to make sure that settlement money is used wisely and goes to the people who need it the most.
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Five groups were chosen to get money, and each one will fill a distinct hole in the local treatment and recovery system.
The Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition got $100,000 to grow medication-assisted treatment and harm reduction counseling, with an emphasis on stopping overdoses and helping people who inject drugs.
Aniz, Inc. got a little more than $101,000 to expand its ARISE Fulton program, which helps people get services by combining peer counseling, street outreach, and digital involvement.
Ascensa Health got $150,000 to improve its outpatient detox and medication-assisted treatment services, which will help more clients stick to their recovery regimens.
The Empowerment Resource Center also got $150,000 to help those who are at the highest risk of getting sick, like those who have been through trauma, been in the judicial system, or have long-term health problems.
Mary Hall Freedom Village got over $143,000 to help women in recovery by giving them employment training, activities to get them ready for work, and resources to help them grow in their careers.
County leaders said that the investments show a bigger commitment to finding practical, community-based ways to deal with opioid addiction. Officials stressed that the initiatives that are getting money are meant to meet people where they are and make families stronger, as well as improve long-term health outcomes across Fulton County.
