Champaign County’s Opioid Settlement Task Force approved about $161,000 in new spending this week toward emergency medical equipment for fire protection districts across the county.
The money came from the latest round of national settlement funds from opioid lawsuits. CU-CitizenAccess recently reported on the county’s use of about $700,000 in these funds over the past two years.
The allocation of funds will go before the full Champaign County Board for a formal vote on Nov. 20.
Eight fire protection districts — Cornbelt, Edge-Scott, Ludlow, Pesotum, Philo, Sadorus, Sidney and Tolono — each received approval for one automated chest compression device valued at $11,000. The devices, often used during cardiac arrest when prolonged CPR is required, totaled $88,000 in new spending. Districts may choose their own vendor, even if different from the vendor the county has previously consulted.
Two departments — Eastern Prairie Fire Protection District and the Rantoul Fire Department — requested and received approval for two devices each, adding another $44,000 to the total.
Sangamon Valley Fire Protection District, which already owns a compression device, instead requested a $29,737 cardiac monitor capable of assisting medics in emergencies where patients require frequent monitoring. The task force approved that request as well.
Before Wednesday’s meeting, the county had $734,665 in opioid settlement funds on hand. After the newly approved equipment purchases, the available balance will stand at approximately $572,928.
The task force that oversees how Champaign County spends its share of the state’s opioid remediation funds has allocated more than $730,000 since 2023 across treatment, recovery housing, safety programs and forensic equipment, according to county records. It reports its recommendations to the Champaign County Board, which ultimately authorizes spending.
The group did not receive any new proposals this month, and no requests remain pending.
Task Force Chair Jennifer Locke clarified there is no deadline by which the county must spend its remaining settlement funds. The opioid settlement money sits in its own separate fund in the county’s accounts, where it accrues interest, and is not mixed into the general fund.
Champaign County will continue receiving settlement payments annually through 2038. Upcoming agendas and minutes for the Opioid Settlement Task Force are available on the county’s website.