Disparity in Opioid Settlement Funds Allocation in Massachusetts Counties

Rural Greene County in Tennessee has collected over $2.7 million from opioid settlements but has used most of it to pay off the county's debt and for capital projects, instead of helping those harmed by addiction. The county has suffered indirect costs of the crisis, including people dropping out of the workforce due to addiction, schools and welfare services caring for more children who've experienced trauma, and some taxpayers leaving the county altogether. States are required to spend at least 85% of the money on opioid-related programs, but there is little oversight.