Denver Opioid Settlement Frequently Asked Questions

In 2021, 46 states reached a settlement with opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retailers who contributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic, including manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson, Amerisource Bergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson. Colorado is set to receive over $868 million in opioid settlement funds over 18 years, distributed to four shares: regional, local, infrastructure, and state. The regional share is distributed to nineteen regions throughout the state through the CO Attorney-General’s office and overseen by the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council (COAC). The City and County of Denver is Region 11. Denver receives both local and regional shares to support opioid abatement programming. More information about the allocation of statewide settlement funds can be found on the Colorado Opioid Settlement Dashboard.

The City and County of Denver is estimated to receive over $89,000,000 over the 18 years. This includes approximately $68,000,000 from the regional share and $21,000,000 from the local share (these amounts are subject to change). Funding is allocated for overdose prevention, supporting people in recovery and treatment, and connection to care, among other initiatives. Funding is distributed in two-year cycles and follows the purposes defined in the Colorado Opioid Settlement Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The DOAC determines how settlement funds are allocated and distributed. DDPHE’s Opioid Abatement Fund program supports the DOAC with overseeing the distribution of funds, including contracting, fiscal and expenditure tracking, data collection, planning, and fulfilling reporting requirements to the COAC. Funds can be awarded to community-based organizations, public institutions, or other entities in support of opioid abatement initiatives. The DOAC distributes funds in two-year project periods. All expenditures must align with the purposes defined in the Colorado Opioid Settlement Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

In June 2025, the DOAC adopted five priority areas to focus on for the next five years. These priority areas will guide how the DOAC allocates funding for new, continued, and expanded projects.

The DOAC’s five priority areas are:

1. Coordinated system of care- Improved coordination between systems and key players to increase successful connection and retention in care.
2. Justice-involved population- Address the needs of persons involved with the criminal justice system, including MOUD needs, continuity of care, stigma, and workforce development.
3. Harm reduction and preventing overdose deaths- Continue and expand harm reduction knowledge, supplies, outreach, and access.
4. Youth connection and belonging- Increase youth services that foster connection and belonging with primary and secondary prevention in mind.
5. Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)- Increase access to MOUD, especially methadone, by addressing barriers of cost, convenience, availability, and stigma.

The DOAC adopted the following principles in September 2024 to reflect the DOAC’s values and guide decision-making:

1. Utilize A Multi-Sectoral, Collaborative Approach Through a Systems Lens
2. Embed Health Equity and Racial Justice
3. Use Multiple Forms of Evidence to Guide Spending Decisions
4. Comprehensive Investment in Cost-Effective Strategies Across The Substance Use Continuum
5. Transparency And Public Accountability in Funding Decisions

The next funding opportunity is expected to be in Spring 2026. Information about how to apply will be added to the OAF program website as the DOAC develops the parameters for the next funding opportunity. If you would like to sign up to receive email updates about future funding opportunities, please email OAFProgram@denvergov.org.