Georgetown, Del., April 14, 2026: Sussex County officials are opening the door for local nonprofits to access settlement money from the national opioid crisis to fund community healing programs.
During Tuesday’s County Council meeting on April 14, 2026, officials outlined their strategy for distributing almost $500,000 that the county received from the historic $26 billion national settlement reached in 2021 following the prescription opioid epidemic. Last month, Delaware’s Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission revealed that multiple local governments, including Sussex County, would get portions of a nearly $250 million, ten-year settlement with the state after court fights against drug manufacturers and distributors.
Sussex County’s first payment will total $479,641. The money must go toward approved health-focused treatment initiatives and services, according to the National Opioid Settlement Agreement requirements, designed to address crisis-related harm. Local governments can either run these programs themselves or work with organizations specializing in this area. Sussex County has decided to partner with outside groups.
“The opioid crisis in this country left no corner untouched, including Sussex County,” said County Administrator Todd F. Lawson, who also serves on the commission. “It damaged and destroyed lives and put an incredible strain on healthcare systems that continue to this day. While these funds won’t undo the tragedy, they can help support programs that help victims and communities pick up the pieces to move forward.”
Organizations must submit their proposals by May 4, and County Council will evaluate them before forwarding recommendations to the Commission. Additional information is available at sussexcountyde.gov/application-opioid-settlement-funds.
