By Tim Mastro

STANTON — To determine how the state should utilize its money from a recent settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long and Attorney General Kathy Jennings are hosting a series of forums for public feedback.

Delaware is receiving about $110 million from the settlement of a 2018 lawsuit, which will be paid out over the next 17 years. Lt. Gov. Hall-Long said the first funding stream — around $12 million — will come in by summer’s end, with more expected in the fall.

Ms. Jennings said the monies will be doled out by the Prescription Opioid Distribution Commission, which is made up of various officials from the state and its three counties. She noted that the forums will allow them to hear from individuals who have been affected by the opioid crisis about how Delaware should reduce, prevent and treat opioid use.

“It’s critically important that we spend money in the most effective way possible,” Ms. Jennings said. “The people who know what’s effective are the people who are on the ground providing services, people who have gone through treatment and have had family members go through treatment. They have so much knowledge about what really needs to happen with this important money, (and they can) make sure that we’re spending it as wisely and effectively as possible.”

The first forum was hosted July 7 in Sussex County, with another held Monday at Delaware Technical Community College’s Stanton Campus. The final meeting will be at DelTech’s Terry Campus in Dover on July 25 at 7 p.m.

Ms. Jennings said the discussions have shown that there are more things that people suffering from addiction need than just treatment. She mentioned how vital housing is and added that Sussex County residents may need transportation to services.

“We have to make sure that there is a continuous process of services provided and that they’re provided quickly, so people in crisis don’t have to wait,” Ms. Jennings said.

Lt. Gov. Hall-Long said she hopes the forums can help break the stigma around addiction and send a message that it is OK to request help.

Both are optimistic that interactivity with the community can help lower rates of opioid users, as Delaware recorded 455 deaths due to drug overdoses last year.

“That’s 455 persons who were not at their kitchen table last year,” Lt. Gov. Hall-Long said. “That’s 455 people not there for weddings, not there to attend their child’s soccer games or their grandchildren’s events. This is a real problem and a real issue. We are working with the attorney general’s office, and we can and we will continue to make a difference, but it has to be all hands on deck.”

Ms. Jennings encouraged anyone in Kent County and those who have not been to a forum to attend July 25’s event.

“Please show up and share your knowledge and your experiences with us,” she said. “Because that’s the best way for us to know what works, what’s most effective and how to spend these dollars as wisely as possible. We’re making sure that everybody’s voices are heard. We’re gonna keep learning something new each time.”