Nearly $800 million —that is how much the state of Michigan is slated to receive over the span of 18 years from a $26 billion nationwide settlement with opioid pharmaceutical distributors and one manufacturer. Local governments will receive a portion of the State opioid settlement in pre-approved categories of prevention, treatment, and harm reduction to implement strategies that address the ongoing opioid epidemic.

The Jamie Daniels Foundation will serve as a philanthropic entity for the community of West Bloomfield’s dollars which will be used in two ways: $12,500 toward substance use prevention with a yoga mindfulness program, and $15,000 toward the Adolescent Addiction Recovery Center (AARC) to treat substance use disorder.

To make progress on prevention efforts, West Bloomfield will expand a successful pilot yoga program, which JDF had originally supported, into more West Bloomfield Schools. This program helps students build tolerance to distress by teaching mindfulness techniques and healthy coping mechanisms, so kids can feel confident avoiding addictive substances. 

Funds going to AARC will directly support adolescents struggling with substance use disorder and mental health challenges. The new, outpatient-based clinic located in Oakland County specializes in treating severe cases of dangerous substance use including opioids, marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, nicotine, and benzodiazepines and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Every community in Michigan has been impacted by substance use disorder – more than ever, these opioid settlement dollars are needed. If your community would like to partner with the Jamie Daniels Foundation to manage its allocation, please contact Executive Director, Chris Perry, at [email protected].