Washington County is now accepting applications for community-based projects to help combat the opioid crisis.

Money for the 2026 projects will come from the county’s opioid-settlement funds, money received from pharmaceutical companies that made and sold opioid painkillers; the money must be used to deal with the opioid issues, including detailed programs and strategies focused on treatment, prevention and harm reduction.

The county this year funded eight community-based projects, totaling $520,000, including a $37,348 grant to Thrive Family Recovery Resources that supported the implementation of two Strengthening Families Program workshops this year. Other recipients include: YourPath, ShelettaMakesMeLaugh, WayMakers to Recovery, Wellshare International, Elim Lutheran Church, Change the Outcome and Invisible Wounds Project.

Up to $700,000 of the county’s opioid-settlement funding will be distributed for 2026 projects. This funding is open to everyone — organization or individuals.

Washington County officials expect to receive $11.5 million over an 18-year period in opioid-settlement funds, said Rolando Vera, who is overseeing the opioid settlement process for Washington County Public Health & Environment.

For more information, go to WashingtonCountyMN.gov/OpioidSettlementFunding. The deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m. Oct. 10.

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