Cobb’s Opioid Abatement Advisory Council met for its organizational meeting this week. The group will be tasked with determining how the county should spend the proceeds from lawsuit settlements over the opioid epidemic that hit Cobb County hard.

Nick Adams, Cobb’s Chief EMS Officer, told the group that Cobb had led the state in opioid-related deaths. Cobb County has already received more than $5.2 million, with millions more expected over the next two decades. The council will advise the Board of Commissioners on the potential uses for this money, which must address the costs of the opioid epidemic. They will look at programs that include prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and research and remediation components.

The council will meet quarterly - more often if necessary. More information can be found at https://www.cobbcounty.org/board/county-clerk/boards-and-authorities/opioid-abatement-advisory-council