About the Opioid Program
The Jackson County Health Department’s goal is to educate on opioid use and current resources, increase the availability of life-saving efforts, and partner with local organizations and residents. Our highest priority is working alongside local organizations in hopes to not duplicate efforts but to expand on the ones already in Jackson County.
An opioid can be a prescription drug, often referred to as painkillers, or an illicit substance, such as heroin. Since 2000, opioid overdose deaths have grown ten-fold in Michigan. This epidemic impacts thousands of Michiganders and their families, friends, and communities. It’s one of the greatest public health crises.
In 2017, over 2,000 federal lawsuits were filed against opioid distributors and manufacturers. These lawsuits ended in settlements that include monetary payments. A small percentage of these funds from these settlements were awarded to Jackson County for prevention, education, and recovery services. For more information, visit the Opioid Settlement Resource Center.
