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Opioids
National Opioid Settlement
On August 20, 2021, the Minnesota Attorney General's Office joined the historic $26 billion multi-state settlement agreements with pharmaceutical distributors McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen, and opioid manufacturer Johnson and Johnson. This settlement will bring more than $300 million to Minnesota counties and cities. Distributors have until 2038 to satisfy these requirements.
Waseca County is expected to receive $1,070,373.92 over the next two decades. The funds that are given can be rolled over, and they don’t have to be spent in the current year.
Waseca County Opioid Settlement Grant Application
Waseca County Opioid Settlement Grant Applications Now Open!
We’re thrilled to open applications for the new rolling grant program and provide year-round access to funding opportunities. Submit applications at any time for quarterly committee review. Applicant notification occurs approximately 45 days after each review date.
Key Dates
- Application Opens: November 1, 2025
- First Review: December 16, 2025
- Next Reviews: March, June, and September 2026
Apply early — once available funds are awarded, the program will close for the year.
How can the settlement funding be used?
The Minnesota State-Local Memorandum of Agreement gives a list of such uses within Exhibit A, emphasizing evidence-based strategies. These approved uses must involve opioid remediation, and fall into three categories.
- Support treatment of Opioid Use Disorder (“OUD”) and any co-occurring Substance Use Disorder or Mental Health (“SUD/MH”) conditions through evidence-based or evidence-informed programs or strategies.
- Support people in recovery from OUD and provide connections to care for people who have—or are at risk of developing—OUD and any co-occurring SUD/MH conditions.
- Support efforts to prevent over-prescribing and ensure appropriate prescribing and dispensing of opioids through evidence-based or evidence-informed programs or strategies.
- Support efforts to discourage or prevent misuse of opioids and efforts to prevent or reduce overdose deaths or other opioid-related harms.
- Support efforts to provide leadership, planning, coordination, facilitations, training and technical assistance to abate the opioid epidemic.
- Support first responders in efforts related to the opioid epidemic, and support research and post-mortem efforts.
Opioid Data
Local opioid data collection helps show the community preferences for opioid work in Waseca County and can help the Opioid Advisory Council allocate funds.
This survey was conducted using a weighted scale based on the ranking of the four opioid categories. The top ranking received four points, the second ranking received three points, the third ranking received two points, and the bottom ranking received one point. This survey was conducted only once to help establish a framework for funding and to prioritize where funds should best be spent.
This community survey will be conducted every year to help maintain community feedback about where opioid funds should be utilized, as this is a requirement that must be done in order to fulfill grant requirements. This survey is meant to capture broad information.
Advisory Council
The Waseca County Opioid Settlement Advisory Council will be formed to assist Public Health in advising the Waseca County Board of Commissioners on the disbursement of Opioid Settlement Funds. We seek members that have a shared commitment to prevent (mis)use, reduce harm, provide enforcement response, treatment, and support recovery.
We are seeking representation from across all sectors, including, but not limited to:
- Law Enforcement
- Court Services
- Public Health & Human Services Departments
- County Commissioners & County Administration
- Fire/Rescue & Ambulance Services
- Hospitals & Health Care/Clinics
- School Districts
- Community Organizations/Non-Profit
- Special Populations (Individuals with lived experience, veterans, etc.)
The application period for the Waseca County Opioid Advisory Council is NOW OPEN!
- Click HERE to apply!
- The Advisory Council will meet monthly, and all meetings and minutes will be posted to this website.
- Per diem rates may apply (Contact andrea.kronbach@wasecacounty.gov for more information).
Waseca County Opioid Resources
Take It To The Box & Sharps
The Waseca County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Waseca County Public Health Services, began a local drug and needle take-back program, officially called “Take it to the Box & Sharps”.
- The program allows Waseca County residents to drop off any unused, unneeded, and/or abandoned pharmaceutical (human or animal) or illegal narcotics into a large secured “Drug Box” with no questions asked.
- Residents can now properly dispose of used needles free of charge also!
- The drop box is located in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office and is open to the public 24hr per day, 7 days a week.
Narcan Distribution Box
The Waseca County Sheriff’s Office has a Narcan distribution box in the main lobby of the Sheriff’s Office.
- The Narcan kits are free to the public.
- Naloxone, also known as Narcan®, is a potentially lifesaving drug that can reverse an opioid overdose.
- Carrying naloxone can save the life of a friend, loved one, or even a complete stranger.
- Just as you would carry an EpiPen for allergies, you can carry a naloxone kit that could save your life or someone else’s life in an emergency.
- If you have any questions, please contact Waseca County Sheriff Jay Dulas @ 507-835-0500.
Free Narcan is also available at Waseca County Public Health and MN Prairie County Alliance – 1000 W Elm Avenue, Waseca, MN 56093.
- If you have questions, contact Public Health @ 507-835-0685.