States joining the national opioid lawsuits against manufacturers and distributors contributing to the opioid epidemic have secured billions of dollars in settlement funding. Based on the first round of settlements for Michigan, the state is expected to receive around $776 million over the next 18 years. Of the initial round of settlements reached, around 50% will go directly to county, municipal, and local governments that sign the subdivision agreements. Of the funds received, 70% must be used for future opioid remediation in accordance with Exhibit E of the allowable uses for settlement funds.
In the spring of 2022, in anticipation of this funding going to counties, cities, and townships, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), brought together the state’s three largest research universities, Michigan State University (MSU), University of Michigan (U-M), and Wayne State University (WSU) to discuss ideas on how to best support and assist local governments.
This collaboration resulted in multiple strategy meetings amongst the three universities and MDHHS. In October of 2022, MSU, U-M, and WSU jointly submitted a proposal to MDHHS for consideration to establish the Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC). The TAC was launched in April of 2023.