Volunteers Needed To Serve On Howard County's Opioid Restitution Fund Commission

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Individuals are needed to serve on Howard County's newly established Opioid Restitution Fund Commission. Potential board members are sought who have professional or administrative training or personal experience with substance use disorders.

The deadline to apply falls on Aug. 19.

"Opioid manufacturers are being held accountable for the crisis they created in our community. Now that we have been awarded millions as part of our settlement with some opioid manufacturers, we must be thoughtful in making sure that money is used efficiently and wisely to serve our community, save lives and prevent future opioid misuse," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

Consisting of 11 members, the Commission must include:

• four members who shall be either an individual or the family members of an individual with an opioid use disorder;
• four advocates or substance use disorder professionals that provide education, treatment or prevention services;
• two certified peer recovery specialists; and
• one student representative under the age of 19 at the time of their appointment.

Board members serve staggered three-year terms and are responsible for reviewing and providing recommendations about the use of settlement and grant funds related to addressing opioid use disorders.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be a Howard County resident, meet one of the required qualifications and be able to attend quarterly Commission meetings held on a day and time agreed upon by the Commissioners. Meetings may be held in the evening in person or virtually via Webex.

Interested applicants should complete an application online by visiting www.howardcountymd.gov/applybc and selecting “Opioid Restitution Fund Commission” in the form. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for consideration. If approved, the appointment will be forwarded to the County Council for confirmation.