On September 1, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser published H3RC Executive Director Heather Lusk and state Rep. Della Au Belatti, Chair of the House Health & Homelessness Committee.
Here’s an excerpt:
Under the terms of just one multistate settlement with pharmaceutical opioid manufacturers, Hawaii should receive at least $82 million over the next decade-plus. More funds are likely on the way with other legal settlements.
In the forthcoming legislative biennium Hawaii should strive to put the state’s opioid settlement funds to the best possible use, prioritizing overdose prevention and care services, including detoxification, stabilization and treatment for those with opioid use disorder. The process for apportioning settlement funds should be open to legislative, county and public input….
Overdose has taken the lives of Hawaii residents who have excelled on the national and world stage, including University of Hawaii Quarterback Colt Brennan and surfing legend Andy Irons.
Hawaii’s proactive approach to overdose should be subject to continuous improvement, and informed by service providers and those receiving services….
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