The Douglas County Opioid Council leads the local effort to invest opioid settlement funds in programs that prevent addiction, support treatment and recovery, and promote long-term wellness in our community. Douglas County and its municipalities make up Region 12 under Colorado’s statewide opioid settlement framework.
BackgroundIn 2021, Colorado joined a national settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic. A statewide Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established how the funds would be distributed:
Douglas County, along with its municipalities, formed Region 12 and created a regional council to oversee funding priorities and develop a two-year strategic plan for addressing opioid-related challenges. In 2023, the Council developed a two-year strategic plan.
In 2023, after a detailed planning and application process, Region 12 committed funding to the following seven priorities:
In addition to these priorities, the Opioid Council coordinates public education and stigma reduction campaigns that raise awareness about addiction, promote recovery resources and engage youth, parents and schools.
View the complete 2025-2026 Douglas County Opioid Council financial plan.
Organizations working on the front lines of substance misuse prevention, treatment and recovery in Douglas County now have an opportunity to apply for opioid settlement funding through the Douglas County Opioid Council.
$1.4 million is available through this funding cycle, with the council expected to award multiple grants across one or more priority areas, including youth prevention programming, treatment for specialized populations, wraparound care, and co-responder and/or alternate models to support people with substance use disorders in the community.
Applications must be submitted electronically through BidNet by 3 p.m. June 8, 2026. Questions regarding the request for proposals must be submitted through BidNet by May 21, 2026.
Organizations interested in applying can view the full request for proposals and submit applications on the BidNet RFP Submission Page.
Since August 2024, the Board of County Commissioners has awarded more than $2.3 million in grant funding to organizations in Region 12.
The Infrastructure Share represents 10% of all opioid settlement funds received by Colorado. These resources, managed by the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council (COAC), are being strategically invested in infrastructure-related projects across Colorado to combat the opioid crisis and supplement other settlement funds received by Colorado communities.
Any questions about the Douglas County Opioid Council may be sent to [email protected].
The Douglas County Opioid Council has launched its first public awareness campaign to reduce stigma and build understanding about opioid use in our community. Developed with input from individuals with lived experience and recovery professionals, the campaign highlights real stories of recovery to show that hope and healing are possible.
The campaign is rolling out across social media and local outreach efforts. Help us spread the message by downloading and sharing our campaign posters, videos and social media content to amplify awareness and support recovery in Douglas County.
The Douglas County Opioid Council has launched a public awareness campaign to reinforce the positive social norms among youth. Developed alongside real Douglas County teens, the campaign tells the stories of youth who choose to live life substance-free.
The campaign is rolling out across social media and local outreach efforts. Help us spread the message by downloading and sharing our campaign posters, videos and social media content.
