10/14/2026
Love to see the opioid settlement funds being used to expand recovery! Way to go Augusta!
Augusta is preparing to distribute more than $510,000 in opioid settlement funds to six programs focused on addiction treatment, recovery housing, overdose prevention and education.
The Augusta Commission's Finance Committee reviewed the proposed awards Tuesday after the Richmond County Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee unanimously recommended funding six of the 24 applicants.
The largest proposed award is $200,000 for 143 Ministries to provide recovery housing, employment assistance and faith-based support. Augusta University would receive funding for overdose prevention kits, outreach to vulnerable residents and school-based education.
Other recipients include Hope House, which would receive $65,000 to expand treatment for pregnant women, and The Augusta Players, which would receive $46,200 to produce a musical educating students and the community about opioid abuse.
Commissioner Don Clark questioned how recipients were vetted and how the city would ensure accountability. Interim General Counsel Jim Plunkett said recipients would be required to sign formal agreements and meet reporting requirements before receiving funds.
The proposed awards total $510,013, leaving $89,987 available for a possible future round of grants.
Read the full story at The Augusta Press. Link in comments.
