CROOKSTON, Minn. — It’s always a busy time at Polk County Public Health, Director Sarah Reese said, but it’s a good time, too. There are a number of projects the organization is focusing on, and one of recent note will bring help to those struggling with opioid addiction.
Recipients have been chosen to receive opioid settlement funds from the Polk County Board of Commissioners to work on prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery support. The recipients were recommended by the Polk County Opioid Settlement Advisory Council. “We are happy to see this investment of the opioid settlement fund for our partners to reach and meet community needs,” Reese said.
Six applicants received funding, while two others received funding and were recommended for follow-up consultation. The latter were New Americans Integration Center in East Grand Forks and Care and Share of Crookston, which each received $50,000. The six others who received funding were Alluma ($82,350), Crookston Youth Foundation/The Cove ($38,620), New Heights Elementary School in East Grand Forks ($5,000), Tri-County Community Corrections ($99,972) Tri-Valley Opportunity Council ($41,520) and University of Minnesota Crookston ($59,664).
The advisory council was formed in 2022 following recommendation by the state attorney general’s office on how to handle the funding that the county would be given. The council looked into what resources were and weren’t available at the time, put out a community survey.
