During the December 17 meeting, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners approved the allocation of more than $640,000 in opioid settlement funds to five local community organizations that provide treatment and recovery services for persons with opioid use disorders. These funds come from the State of Georgia’s portion of a nationwide settlement with pharmaceutical companies over the overprescribing of opioids.

“These awards represent our commitment to using settlement dollars where they will make the greatest difference in the lives of Fulton County residents struggling with addiction and in the health of our communities,” said LaTrina R. Foster, Director of the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities.

After receiving its first settlement disbursement in late 2024, the County’s Opioid Abatement Regional Advisory Council (RAC) reviewed community proposals and recommended funding for five programs that are meeting people where they are and addressing real opioid-related treatment and recovery needs:

• Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition, Inc. – $100,000
  Expanding Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and harm reduction counseling to reduce overdoses and support people who use substances, including those who inject drugs.
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• Aniz, Inc. – $101,010
  Growing the ARISE Fulton Program to connect people to peer-led counseling, street outreach, and social media campaigns reaching thousands.
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• Ascensa Health, Inc. – $150,000
  Strengthening outpatient detox and MAT services through its Ambulatory Withdrawal Management program to help more people complete recovery plans.
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• Empowerment Resource Center – $150,000
  Providing prevention, treatment, and recovery services to residents at the highest risk — including those with trauma histories, justice involvement, and people affected by HIV or hepatitis.
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• Mary Hall Freedom Village, Inc. – $142,992
  Helping women in recovery prepare for long-term stability through workforce training, job readiness workshops, and career support.

The Regional Advisory Council, a diverse group of health, legal, nonprofit, and community representatives, was created by the Board of Commissioners in 2024 to ensure that Fulton County’s Opioid Settlement funds are directed where they can make the most impact.

“Each one of these programs offers a pathway to recovery and hope,” added Foster. “We’re grateful to our partners and proud to invest in work that strengthens families and communities across Fulton County.”

For more information about the Opioid Abatement Settlement Fund and funded programs, contact the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities at 404-612-1687.