Georgetown, Del., April 14, 2026: Sussex County is providing a pathway to help those in the community heal in the wake of the national prescription opioid crisis.

County Council, during its regular weekly meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, reviewed a plan to distribute nearly $500,000 in funds awarded to the County as part of the landmark $26 billion nationwide settlement in 2021 that followed the prescription opioid crisis. In March, the Delaware Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission announced that numerous jurisdictions, including Sussex, would receive part of the proceeds of a nearly-$250 million, decadelong settlement with the State following legal battles against opioid manufacturers and distributors.

Sussex County will receive $479,641 in the initial disbursement. Funds must be used for eligible health-centered treatments and programs, as stipulated in the National Opioid Settlement Agreement, to mitigate the harm caused by the crisis. Communities can directly administer the programs, or partner with groups focused on such work. Sussex County is choosing the latter.

“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.”

Applications are due by May 4, and will be reviewed by County Council before being sent to the Commission. To learn more, visit sussexcountyde.gov/application-opioid-settlement-funds.

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