MONROE — Monroe County people affected by the opioid epidemic can share their stories Tuesday.
The Michigan Opioid Advisory Commission will offer a Community Voices session Feb. 20 at Recovery Advocacy Warriors (RAW), 554 Rambow Road. Community members can attend from 1 to 3 p.m.
“The forum in designed for community members to share their experiences or provide input, especially individuals and families who are have directly impacted by substance use disorders, mental health conditions, co-occurring disorders and/or involvement in the criminal-legal system,” the commission said.
Community Voices is part of the national opioid settlements. Monroe County is expected to receive $5.5 million over 18 years from the settlements.
“Funds are being received by state and local governments throughout the country. These dollars are being awarded for alleged harms, caused by the companies that marketed, manufactured, distributed and sold, pharmaceutical opioids,” the commission said. “Given the nature of the opioid settlements and an understanding that nearly all families in Michigan have in some way or another been impacted by substance use, mental health or involvement in the criminal-legal system, the Opioid Advisory Commission (OAC) believes there is a responsibility to include community voices in conversations around planning and use of state opioid settlement funds.”