The Mississippi Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Council has proposed a comprehensive plan to allocate over $100 million to combat the ongoing opioid crisis in the state. In a letter addressed to House Speaker Jason White and Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann, Lynn Fitch, the state Attorney General and overseer of the council, outlined the recommendations developed after months of rigorous evaluation and community outreach.
Established during the 2025 legislative session, the council comprises 37 members who worked diligently to create guidelines, solicit applications, and assess proposals for funding. Fitch noted the challenges of a compressed timeline but emphasized the commitment of the council to expedite the distribution of funds for essential prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives. “We encourage the Legislature to make the necessary appropriations as early as practicable in the 2026 Regular Legislative Session,” she stated.
Legislators will have access to $105.2 million in opioid settlement funds for the upcoming year. Of this total, $90.3 million is specifically designated for opioid abatement efforts, while $14.8 million can be allocated for other initiatives. The council reviewed 127 applications that collectively requested over $195 million, categorizing them into five tiers based on the strength of their proposals.
The council’s evaluation process involved careful consideration of the diverse interests of the state, including responsible spending, adherence to the settlement terms, and strategic use of funds to address the health and safety challenges posed by the opioid epidemic. Fitch remarked, “The council carefully balanced the various interests of the State, including appropriate stewardship of public dollars.”
Among the notable Tier One recommendations is a project by Hope Village for Children in Meridian, which is seeking $168,438 to establish a residential treatment program catering to foster children with substance abuse disorders and behavioral health issues. This initiative would be the first of its kind in Mississippi and aims to accept Medicaid.
Another Tier One application comes from East Mississippi State Hospital, requesting $996,600 to expand its treatment capacity by adding 15 new beds for those struggling with substance use disorders. This expansion is expected to significantly enhance the hospital’s ability to provide necessary care.
In Tier Two, HeathCare On the Go has submitted a request for $1,637,000 to increase its residential treatment capabilities and collaborate with the Mississippi Department of Corrections on a program designed to support long-term recovery and reduce recidivism rates.
Additionally, Weems Community Mental Health is seeking $429,883 in Tier Three to make improvements to its residential facility for substance abuse treatment. The requested funds will be used for essential renovations, including bathroom updates and the purchase of a generator.
The Mississippi Legislature is set to convene at the Capitol on January 6, 2026, for the start of the new legislative session. During this session, lawmakers will review the council’s recommendations and begin the process of allocating the state’s opioid settlement funds, marking a crucial step in addressing the opioid epidemic that has significantly impacted communities across the state.
