John Mack - Newtown Supervisor

How Newtown Township Can 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.

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

The Opportunity for Newtown

With nearly $134,000 available, Newtown Township can make significant and potentially life-saving investments. 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.