How Newtown Township Can - and Cannot - Use Its Opioid Settlement Funds

Newtown Township currently holds $133,989.50 in opioid settlement funds—money received as part of Pennsylvania’s statewide agreement with major pharmaceutical companies. These dollars are restricted and must be used only for initiatives that address the causes and impacts of the opioid crisis.

Meanwhile, the Police Chief is proposing to purchase a 2026 Chev. Silverado PPV - Police Vehicle clearly outfitted as a Police Pursuit Package and NOT a “Drug Information Vehicle” as indicated in the proposal! This is clearly a “Prohibited Use” as described below...

1. Treatment & Recovery Services

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
• Outpatient or residential treatment services
• Peer recovery support and recovery coaches
• Case management or navigation
• Transportation to treatment and recovery programs

2. Prevention & Education

• School-based prevention curricula
• Community education campaigns
• Anti-stigma programs
• Training for teachers, EMS, police, or Township staff

3. Harm Reduction

• Narcan (naloxone) distribution
• Fentanyl test strips
• Overdose detection systems
• Cold-weather kits or supplies for at-risk individuals

4. Support for First Responders

• Overdose-specific training
• Narcan and overdose response supplies
• Overdose-related data collection and reporting tools

5. Mental Health Services

• Counseling and crisis intervention
• Co-occurring mental health treatment
• School or community mental-health initiatives related to prevention or recovery

6. Criminal Justice Diversion

• Drug or treatment courts
• Pre- or post-arrest diversion programs
• Reentry services tied to opioid-use disorder

7. Housing Supports

• Recovery housing
• Transitional housing
• Rental assistance tied to recovery plans

8. Planning, Data & Coordination

• Needs assessments
• Program evaluation
• Opioid-response coordination roles
• Strategic planning and data analysis

Prohibited Uses

• Routine police patrols or overtime
• Police vehicles or standard equipment
• Road or building projects
• General health programs not linked to opioid use

At the 25 November 2025 Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS) public meeting, local officials will discuss using opioid settlement funds to help pay for a police “surveillance truck.” Some residents questioned whether this use aligns with the funds’ intended purpose—prevention, treatment, and recovery. Concerns included transparency, whether the purchase actually addresses opioid harm, and the need to prioritize community-based services. Supporters argued the vehicle could help investigate drug-related activity, while critics said it diverts money away from direct public-health needs. Listen to the following “Deep Drive” podcast:

The Opportunity for Newtown

With nearly $134,000 available, Newtown Township can make significant and potentially life-saving investments instead of purchasing what is clearly a truck meant for police activities not in any way related to opioid addication education. Possible priorities include:

• Expanding Narcan availability township-wide
• Partnering with CRSD or BCAS on youth education
• Supporting recovery housing or transportation to treatment
• Funding a shared opioid-response coordinator
• Supporting EMS capacity specifically for overdose response

Thoughtful planning can reduce harm, support families, and improve public safety across our community.

Posted on 24 Nov 2025, 10:58 - Category: Opioid Epidemic