This information was compiled based on information from publicly available legislation, state memorandums or executive orders, state websites, and press releases, as well as supplemental interviews with state officials with a role in administering opioid settlement funding.
It offers a snapshot of settlement spending and priorities at the state level (e.g., funding administered by state agencies or designated statewide abatement funds) as well as laws, agreements, and processes that the state has established for allocating funds. NASHP does not track spending at the local or county level, but includes any relevant state-level reports or dashboards that capture local spending within a state. For details on the definitions used here, check out the definitions at the bottom of this page. You can also get an overview of opioid settlement decisions in all states.
Settlement Spending Status
Background
Both the Rhode Island Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee and the secretary of the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) help to advise appropriations from the state share of settlement funding made by the state General Assembly. EOHHS publishes annual reports that summarize current projects funded by state settlement dollars, and the Prevent Overdose RI website hosts more details on settlement processes, funded projects, and the state’s roadmap for addressing the overdose crisis.
Has the state awarded settlement funds?
Yes. According to the Prevent Overdose RI website, fiscal year 2025 investments were spread across the categories of treatment (27 percent of funding), harm reduction and rescue (22 percent), recovery (20 percent), prevention (16 percent), and social determinants of health (15 percent). Current projects funded by settlement dollars are further detailed in the 2024 Annual Report, including a three-year contract with the University of Rhode Island to increase evaluation capacity, trauma supports for peer specialists and first responders, school-based prevention services, and mobile harm reduction outreach focused on the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) community, among other examples. EOHHS also contracts with the Rhode Island Foundation, a local public charity, to help better reach community-based organizations with settlement grant opportunities.
Has the state announced priorities or recommendations for spending?
Yes. OSAC’s funding recommendations are guided by a statewide action plan from the Governor’s Overdose Task Force, which outlines key pillars and strategies the state will prioritize to address the overdose crisis. Across all pillars, racial equity is outlined as a cross-cutting priority for the task force. Pillars include building strong governance and community engagement, expanding data capacity and surveillance, and reinforcing comprehensive prevention, among others.
Previous spending details
In a previous annual report, EOHHS highlighted budget allocations for opioid abatement categories (e.g., recovery, prevention, treatment) in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 and recapped both awarded and upcoming project contracts. Investments included supporting data surveillance and analysis programs, providing dollars for supportive housing and additional residential treatment infrastructure, increasing prevention services for youth in both school and community settings, and expanding services of harm reduction and basic needs agencies, including investing in an Overdose Prevention Center.
Statewide reporting of local spending
Not applicable.
State Settlement Website or Dashboard
Spending Plans and Agreements
Process for Settlement Disbursement
A memorandum of understanding requires an advisory committee to make annual recommendations for the state share of the settlement funding to EOHHS and requires the secretary of EOHHS to provide a public, written explanation to the advisory committee if they “substantially deviate” from the committee’s recommendations.
State and Political Subdivision Split
Structure
State-Controlled (>50 percent of funding controlled by states)
Allocation Formula
80 percent state share, 20 percent participating cities and towns
Role of Advisory Committee
The advisory committee makes recommendations to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
