6F2AF8C6A26CBE79872589DD0076F451 Hearing Summary

Jamie Feld, Deputy Director of Opioid Response at the Attorney General's Office, presented to the committee.

Director Feld gave an overview of how opioid settlement funding will be distributed across the state as well as their governance structure. All funding from the opioid settlement must be used for opioid abatement.

Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper and Prowers County Commissioner Wendy Buxton-Andrade joined Ms. Feld as a panel to speak on the regional opioid response.

The committee asked the panel how they coordinate with the BHA. The panel stated that collaboration with state organizations is a key part of their operating procedure. The panel also outlined their regional process of working with state organizations.

The committee asked the panel what the legislature could do during session to help remove barriers. The panel talked about how additional rules makes it difficult to get more trainees in rural parts of the state. They also talked about the need for good data and sustainability for a better approach.

The committee asked about the concern of BHASOs overlooking rural regions of the state. The panel stated it is a concern but the goal is to make the BHASOs a light administrative burden. They also spoke of not splitting BHASO regions and their opioid regions so that counties would not have to report to different structures.

Director Cristen Bates, representing HCPF, spoke on finances in the department and different programs the funding is used on.

The committee asked about the safe transport program. Director Bates spoke on how ambulances and certified drivers can pick up individuals in crisis and take them to support services.

The committee asked if the 1115 waiver system is a federal or state program. Director Bates said that it can work as a state program as long as it is in statute.