City Announces Spending Plan for Opioid Settlement Funds
On January 5, 2023, Mayor Jim Kenney and City officials shared the City’s plans to invest funds from the national opioid settlements into City- and community-led programs over the next two years. Philadelphia will receive approximately $200 million over the course of 18 years.
The City plans to invest these initial payments into an array of crisis response strategies, including both citywide and neighborhood programs as well as efforts to address the individual and community impacts of opioids.
“These investments have been informed and guided by the insight and collaboration generously offered by community leaders,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “The overdose crisis has wrought incalculable harm on communities across the United States, and the grief and community trauma have compounded for years in Philadelphia as well – especially in Kensington and the surrounding neighborhoods.”
“In the face of this evolving crisis, we are committed to prevention, treatment, and healing and achieving long-term change. We believe this plan can immediately impact lives and produce outcomes that residents can see and feel – in their parks, their schools and their homes,” Mayor Kenney said.
Investment in Kensington
Community investment is a core part of the City’s commitment to addressing the harm inflicted by opioids in Philadelphia. The City announced that $7.5 million will be invested in Kensington schools, parks, and strategies to keep residents in their homes, like home repair, foreclosure prevention, and rental assistance. These investments will be guided by master planning efforts led by New Kensington Community Development Corporation and Impact Services, City officials said.
In a joint statement, Dr. Casey O’Donnell, President/CEO of Impact Services and Dr. Bill McKinney, Executive Director of New Kensington Community Development Corporation said:
“We are heartened that the City has made a significant contribution towards addressing key challenges that have been identified by so many stakeholders in our community. We are looking forward to not only the additional resources coming into our neighborhood but for the opportunity for everyone to bring their strengths to the table through a community driven, trauma informed, comprehensive planning and implementation process. Together we will shape Kensington’s future so that current community members can thrive.”