More good news and movement forward with regards to Michigan’s $800 million portion of the $26 billion national opioid settlement, as bipartisan bills passed the state Senate on April 21 creating a structure to distribute the funds.

From this settlement, Marquette County will receive around $1.9 million over the course of 20 years.

“The settlement is very positive for the community going forward, because out of those dollars we are required to do some forms of either prevention or treatment purposes with the funds,” Marquette County Administrator Scott Erbisch said.

The settlement funds must be used for opioid remediation, but there are many options that work toward this goal, such as treatment and recovery support, connecting people to assistance, leadership planning, training, research and addressing the needs of people who are in the criminal justice system.

While the county doesn’t have specific plans for the money yet, Erbisch said the county will reach out to partners in the community that work with treatment and prevention — as well as the county’s prosecuting attorney, public defender’s office and health department — to gather feedback and determine how to use the funds.

We’re glad to know that local officials are going to involve so many stakeholders in the decision, as the situation demands a nuanced and community-centered approach to prevention and treatment.

Nearly 3,000 Michigan residents have died as a result of an opioid overdose in the past year, according to the most recent data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The healing will not be immediate after the loss and trauma induced by the opioid crisis, but it must begin somewhere.

We hope to see a diverse group of people involved in the planning, as the situation touches almost every person and every profession — from educators and health care providers, to law enforcement and legal professionals, to mental health providers and local youth agencies, to family members, neighbors and friends who have struggled with opioid use themselves or watched a loved one do so.

All voices should be heard, as each person has a valuable perspective on the systems and supports needed for prevention, treatment and community healing.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on the county’s next steps and encourage all area residents to weigh in on how the funds are spent when the opportunity arises.

We can only begin the process of healing when we work together on a common solution that protects and supports our most vulnerable.