Best Use of Opioid Settlement Funds Considered

By Carol Meyer

Hingham has received nearly $250,000 to date as part of a settlement to resolve
opioid litigation brought by states against large pharmaceutical manufacturers and
distributors from the town's total $1.2 million share. The remaining funds will
become available over time.

Town officials are in the process of deciding how to best allocate these funds to
address substance misuse and related issues in the community.
The need in Hingham is real, according to Elizabeth Miller, the town's new social
worker and opioid use disorder program coordinator. She delivered the sobering
news to the Select Board recently that 279 Hingham residents were evaluated for
substance use disorder in South Shore Hospital's emergency department over the
past year.

The four main categories the settlement money can be used for are prevention,
harm reduction, treatment, and recovery.

Part of the Fiscal 2024 plan presented by Miller and approved by the board
includes allocating $17,000 for community outreach.

She noted that it's important to focus not only on designating funding for treatment
but also on prevention and post-treatment and to compile a list of qualified
treatment centers and sober houses that provide the best quality care.

​In recognition of the fact that there is a need for these services in Hingham, Chair
Liz Klein said she wants "to meet people where they are and help them access the
services they need, using this settlement money in the best way possible."