The Prince George - Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the management of opioid settlement funds and the ongoing efforts of the county's opioid abatement task force.

The meeting began with a focus on the unique requirements surrounding opioid settlement funds. Officials emphasized the necessity of transparency in spending, noting that starting in fiscal year 2026, the state will implement an interactive dashboard. This platform will allow the public to access detailed reports on how each local jurisdiction allocates these funds, moving beyond previous summary reports to a more granular view of expenditures. This initiative aims to ensure accountability in the investment of funds designated for opioid remediation.

Following this discussion, the committee received an update on the Prince George's County opioid abatement task force, which is nearing its one-year anniversary. The task force, initially composed of 20 voting members from various sectors—including public health, law enforcement, and education—has expanded to include 80 additional stakeholders. This multidisciplinary approach is designed to leverage the expertise of professionals across different fields to effectively address the opioid epidemic.

The committee highlighted the strategic organization of the task force, which focuses on identifying the most pressing needs for prevention and intervention within the county. Members are tasked with evaluating a list of eligible expenditures to determine where existing funding can be supplemented, particularly in school systems and other critical areas.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to addressing the opioid crisis through collaborative efforts and transparent financial practices. The next steps involve continued engagement with stakeholders to refine strategies and ensure effective use of the settlement funds.