Cass County Opioid Settlement Funding Program
Cass County’s Administration of Opioid Settlement Funds
Cass County is committed to collaborative governance and transparency in the administration of Opioid Settlement Funds. These funds represent a critical opportunity—and responsibility—to address the impacts of the opioid epidemic in ways that are effective, equitable, and aligned with community values. We illustrate this commitment through addressing the opioid epidemic by investing settlement funds in organizations and initiatives that support:
• Individuals in treatment and recovery
• Families and communities impacted by substance use
• Public safety and first responders, including law enforcement
To accomplish this, Cass County administers an Opioid Settlement Microgrant Program, funded through both restricted and unrestricted opioid settlement funds. We recognize that opioid settlement funds belong to the community and are committed to stewarding these resources responsibly, ensuring investments:
• Strengthen recovery and treatment systems
• Enhance public safety
• Reduce harm and prevent future loss
• Build trust through openness and collaboration
Through intentional partnership and transparent governance, Cass County strives to ensure opioid settlement funds create lasting, meaningful change for individuals, families, and the entire community.
For questions about the application process or opioid settlement initiatives, please contact Cass County Opioid Settlement Financial Executive Hillary Hartoin
Email: hillary.hartoin@co.cass.in.us
Phone: (574)-732-4941
Indiana Opioid Settlement Overview
From 2022 through 2038, the State of Indiana will receive and disburse funding to address the opioid epidemic through settlements with major pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and related companies. These settlements are part of Indiana’s ongoing commitment to accountability and public health and will provide the State with more than $1 billion over an 18-year period.
Disbursement and use of these funds are governed by Indiana Code § 4-6-15, unless otherwise specified by a settlement agreement or court order. Local units of government, including Cass County, will continue to receive funds through 2038 to support opioid abatement efforts.
View the list of approved opioid abatement uses.
Indiana's Recommendations
The Indiana Commission to Combat Substance Use Disorder in partnership with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) - Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) and the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) have collaborated to develop a framework for how the State of Indiana will spend the state's 35% appropriation for abatement from national opioid settlements.
On November 14, 2024, the Indiana Commission to Combat Substance Use Disorder adopted statewide recommendations for the use of National Opioid Settlement funds. These recommendations are intended to help Indiana’s local subdivisions strategically invest their 35% restricted share of settlement funding in ways that meaningfully address substance use disorder.
Access the State’s Spending Recommendations.
Cass County's Opioid Settlement
Microgrant Program
Oversight & Governance
Cass County does not make funding decisions in isolation. Recommendations regarding the use of opioid settlement funds are informed by a broad, multidisciplinary group of stakeholders representing prevention, treatment, recovery, public safety, the courts, and the community. This collaborative approach ensures decisions reflect real-world needs, lived experience, and system-wide impact. By engaging partners across all intercepts of the justice system and recovery continuum, Cass County promotes:
• Shared ownership and accountability
• Broad inclusion in funding decisions
• Alignment with evidence-based practices and local priorities
Transparency & Accountability
Cass County is committed to transparency at every stage of the funding process. This includes:
• Clearly defined funding priorities and eligibility criteria
• Structured review of proposals
• Oversight to ensure funds are used for approved abatement purposes
• Ongoing evaluation of outcomes and community impact
Funding decisions are guided by data, statutory requirements, and the goal of maximizing public benefit—not by individual interests or siloed decision-making.
Financial Administration
Cass County has designated a Financial Executive for Opioid Settlement Funds, responsible for:
• Receiving and managing all proposal submissions
• Overseeing microgrant program operations
• Fiscal management and compliance with required opioid settlement reporting
• Providing technical assistance to grantees
Cass County has intentionally built a review and administration structure that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive, ensuring all voices are heard and community needs are reflected. Click here to contact the Opioid Settlement Financial Executive.
Cass County's Opioid Settlement
Review Committee
The Cass County Commissioners have appointed the Local Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council (JRAC) to serve as Cass County’s Opioid Settlement Review Committee. The Local JRAC was selected because it represents all intercepts of the local criminal justice system and the recovery community, including:
• Prevention and treatment providers
• Law enforcement
• Local Judiciary
• Jail Administration
• Prosecutor and Public Defender
• Pretrial Services, Community Corrections and Probation
• Individuals with lived experience
• Victims of crime and family members impacted by overdose
• County Commissioners and County Council members
This broad representation ensures that funding decisions are fair, equitable, non-duplicative, aligned with local values, and designed to have the greatest possible community impact. Click here to view the Cass County Local JRAC Member List.
Submit Opioid Settlement Microgrant Proposals Here
Proposals are reviewed twice annually in January and July, beginning July 2023. Funding requests must be limited to a one-year project scope, with organizations eligible to reapply for additional funding on an annual basis, subject to the availability of funds. All proposals must align with approved opioid abatement uses or qualify under unrestricted fund use, and funds may not be used to supplant existing grant-funded programs. Applicants are required to submit a detailed proposal that includes program goals and objectives, expected outcomes, a clear budget and use of funds, and an explanation of how the proposed project aligns with opioid abatement uses.
Application Deadlines: June 30th & December 31st of Each Calendar Year
Resources
Applicant Self-Checklist
(For organizations preparing a proposal) Before submitting your proposal, please confirm that: ☐ The project aligns with approved opioid abatement uses or designate your proposal fall under the scope of unrestricted funds ☐ The project directly benefits Cass County residents or systems ☐ The proposal clearly explains the problem, solution, and expected outcomes ☐ Activities are evidence-based ☐ The budget is reasonable and tied directly to project activities ☐ Funds are not replacing existing grants or funding ☐ The project avoids duplicating existing services ☐ Partnerships or collaborations are clearly described (if applicable) ☐ The project scope is one year or less ☐ Reporting and accountability requirements can be met 📌 Tip: Strong proposals clearly explain why this project matters now and how it fills a gap in Cass County.
What Makes a Strong Proposal? Applicant Guidance
Strong proposals are clear, focused, and grounded in Cass County’s needs. The most competitive applications consistently demonstrate the following: ⸻ 1. Clear Alignment with Opioid Abatement Goals Successful proposals clearly explain how the project fits within approved opioid abatement strategies such as treatment, prevention, recovery support, harm reduction, or public safety. Tip: Name the abatement category your project supports and explain why it matters locally. ⸻ 2. Local Impact That Is Easy to Understand Strong proposals clearly answer: • Who will benefit? • How many people will be served? • Why this project matters in Cass County right now? Tip: Use local data, experience, or examples to describe the need. ⸻ 3. Thoughtful, Evidence-Based Design Competitive proposals describe: • What will happen • How it will happen • What success will look like Tip: Keep goals realistic and measurable within a one-year project period. ⸻ 4. Responsible Use of Public Funds Strong proposals show that funds will be used efficiently and responsibly. Tip: Budgets should directly connect to project activities and avoid unnecessary costs. ⸻ 5. Collaboration, Not Duplication Projects that complement existing services and build partnerships are prioritized. Tip: Explain how your work fits into the broader local system and fills a gap. ⸻ 6. Capacity to Deliver and Report Successful applicants demonstrate they can manage funds, track progress, and report outcomes. Tip: Briefly highlight prior experience managing grants or similar programs. ⸻ Common Pitfalls to Avoid • Vague goals or outcomes • Budgets that don’t match activities • Duplicating existing services • Requesting funds to replace other grants • Projects that are too broad for a one-year timeline ⸻ Final Advice The strongest proposals tell a clear story: a real local need, a thoughtful solution, and a responsible plan to make a difference in Cass County.
How Funding Decisions Are Made
Cass County is committed to transparency, fairness, and accountability in the use of Opioid Settlement Funds. All proposals submitted to the Opioid Settlement Microgrant Program are reviewed by the Local Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council (JRAC) using a standardized scoring guidelines. Proposals are evaluated based on alignment with approved opioid abatement uses, community impact, program design, sustainability, collaboration, and organizational capacity. Scores help guide funding recommendations, but they are not the sole factor in decision-making. The Local JRAC also considers equity, local needs, availability of funds, and alignment with Cass County values. Final funding decisions are made by the Cass County Commissioners. Because opioid settlement funds are limited and restricted by state law and settlement agreements, not all eligible proposals can be funded. Applicants are encouraged to reapply in future cycles and may request general feedback when available. Cass County remains dedicated to ensuring opioid settlement funds are used responsibly to reduce harm, support recovery, and strengthen public health and safety across our community.
Summary Overview of Approved Opioid Abatement Uses
Use of opioid settlement funds is governed by settlement agreements and must align with approved abatement strategies established by the Indiana Attorney General. Priority Core Strategies (Schedule A) • Naloxone or other FDA-approved overdose reversal medications • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and opioid-related treatment • Services for pregnant and postpartum individuals • Treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome • Warm hand-off programs and recovery support services • Treatment for incarcerated populations • Prevention initiatives • Syringe services programs • Evidence-based data collection and evaluation Additional Approved Uses (Schedule B) Treatment • Treat opioid use disorder • Connect individuals to appropriate care • Support justice-involved individuals • Serve pregnant or parenting individuals and affected families Prevention • Prevent overprescribing and misuse • Prevent overdose deaths • Support first responders • Leadership, planning, and coordination • Training and workforce development • Research and evaluation
Cass County Pillars & Values Regarding the Use of Opioid Settlement Grants
Frequently Asked Questions
Supporting Recovery, Accountability, and Community Safety Cass County’s approach to public safety is grounded in the belief that accountability and compassion are not opposing forces—they work best together. Our philosophy recognizes that people impacted by opioid use or involved in the justice system are more than their charges or circumstances. They are individuals with the capacity for growth, responsibility, and change when provided the right support at the right time. These values guide the strategic and responsible use of Opioid Settlement Funds, ensuring investments are aligned with community needs, public safety, and long-term impact. People-Centered Public Safety People-Centered Public Safety means protecting the community while honoring the dignity and rights of individuals. Evidence and local outcomes demonstrate that public safety is strengthened—not compromised—when individuals are supported through recovery and their involvement in the justice system. In practice, this means: •Using evidence-based practices informed by local values and data •Prioritizing community safety while reducing unnecessary system involvement •Investing opioid settlement funds in programs that reduce recidivism, substance use, and justice system cycling Public safety is best achieved through stability, connection, and accountability, not isolation or punishment alone. Balancing Opportunity with Accountability Opportunity without accountability is ineffective. Accountability without opportunity is unjust. Cass County’s approach intentionally balances both. This balance is reflected in: •Clear expectations and guidelines for opioid settlement microgrants •Supportive services that help individuals and organizations meet those expectations •Data-driven oversight that ensures fiscal responsibility and public safety Recovery-focused investments are not about avoiding responsibility—they are about creating the conditions where responsibility can be achieved and sustained. Collaboration & Co-Creation Cass County is committed to collaboration and co-creation across systems. Decisions regarding opioid settlement funds are not made in isolation, but through intentional partnership with stakeholders representing all intercepts of the justice system and the recovery continuum. This includes representation from: •Prevention, treatment, and recovery providers •Law enforcement, jail administrators, and first responders •Judiciary, prosecutor, and public defender •Community Corrections , pretrial services, and probation •Individuals with lived experience •Victims of crime and family members impacted by overdose •County commissioners and council members By bringing diverse perspectives to the table, Cass County ensures funding decisions are equitable, informed, community-driven, and aligned with real-world needs. Collaboration strengthens trust, prevents duplication of services, and maximizes the impact of every dollar invested. Our Commitment Our role extends beyond monitoring outcomes or awarding funding. We are committed to supporting empathetic, holistic, and evidence-based programs that recognize the intrinsic worth of every individual and their capacity to change. We believe: •Every interaction in the justice system is an opportunity to promote positive behavior change •Recovery, accountability, and public safety are mutually reinforcing •Thoughtful investment today creates safer, healthier communities tomorrow Through intentional collaboration and responsible stewardship of opioid settlement funds, Cass County continues to build a system that is fair, effective, transparent, and centered on people.