New Albany Opts Out of State Deal with Opioid Makers

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Mayor Gahan and the City of New Albany have joined other cities in the fight to bring justice to the people of New Albany who have been trapped in addiction brought on by national drug distributors.

At this morning’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, the City of New Albany approved opting out of the state of Indiana’s settlement with opioid makers and distributors. The settlement would absolve the opioid makers and distributors from future lawsuits, and would force local governments to surrender any current or future claims against the opioid providers.

Other cities around the state, included Fishers, Noblesville, South Bend, Lafayette, and others have also opted out of the settlement, many citing that they expect to receive less money from the state settlement than they would by pursuing their own lawsuits against opioid makers and distributors.

“The opioid crisis has devastated communities across the state of Indiana, and it has taken a horrendous toll on the people of Floyd County,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.

In 2018, Indiana University completed a study that showed the opioid crisis cost Floyd County $1 billion. A 2019 report by the Washington Post also shows Floyd County as being one of the worst counties in the United States for prescription opioid abuse, with more than 47 million prescription pain pills entering Floyd County from 2006 to 2012. Additionally, 4 out of 5 heroin addicts began their addiction on legal, prescription pain medications.

“Southern Indiana residents do not need to take a backseat in this fight,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “Large drug companies need to be held accountable for the damages they have brought to our families and neighbors.”

If you are suffering from addiction brought on by prescription use, please contact your physician. If someone you know is addicted to prescription opioids please encourage them to contact their doctor or call for help. Here are some additional resources that may be of help:

Indiana Addiction Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Call 2-1-1. (2-1-1 is a simple way to connect to food, shelter, and housing assistance, counseling resources, and more throughout Indiana)

Our Place Drug and Alcohol Services: https://www.ourplaceinc.org/

Additional reading on this topic:

https://newalbanycityhall.com/home/2019/7/23/mayor-gahan-shares-information-about-opioid-crisis

https://newalbanycityhall.com/home/opioidlawsuit

More American Rescue Plan Funds Enter Service

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New Albany’s Redevelopment Commission added another set of groups to the growing list of those served by the American Rescue Plan. At today’s meeting, the board unanimously approved aid to three additional organizations within the City of New Albany: the New Albany Township Trustee, System of CARE, and Harvest Homecoming.

The Redevelopment Commission provided $100,000 in additional funding towards the Township Trustee’s mission of helping individuals with utility payments, housing and rent, food, healthcare, and homelessness relief to those in need and that have been impacted by COVID-19. In 2020 alone, the Township Trustee assisted over 521 individuals and 266 households, supplying approximately $50,000 in utility assistance, $95,000 in housing assistance, $32,000 in food assistance, and $94,000 in homelessness assistance.

“These additional funds will go a long way towards helping those most in need in New Albany,” stated New Albany Township Trustee David Brewer. “Ultimately, our goal is to not only help people in the short term, but also invest in the health and wellness of these individuals that need it most so they can prosper in the future.”

The Redevelopment Commission also awarded $50,000 to System of CARE, a non-profit that offers community-based services and support for children, youth, and their families with (or at risk) for mental health challenged. The program is also recognized and endorsed by the Indiana Family & Services Administration for their work in child abuse prevention and substance misuse/addiction assistance.

Harvest Homecoming, the third largest festival in the state of Indiana, also received assistance through these actions. Harvest Homecoming draws hundreds of thousands of tourists to New Albany that help support local tourism, businesses, nonprofits, churches, children’s organizations, and others. The organization will receive $50,000 worth of financial assistance for multiple programs, including local merchant booth fee assistance, promotional assistance, tourism-focused initiatives like live entertainment, and others.

Brief History of the American Rescue Plan

In early March, President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan was signed into law by congress. As part of this plan, the City of New Albany is expected to receive a total allotment of $16.83 million to help aid in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The first half has already been received by the city of New Albany, and the second half is expected sometime next year.

The New Albany City Council has, through a bipartisan 5-3 vote, tasked the New Albany Redevelopment Commission (NARC) with implementing programs and funds from the American Rescue Plan. The NARC has vast experience dealing with federal programs and guidelines, as well as having a staff in place to help quickly get these rescue funds into service.

Further Reading and Past Actions

A Statement from Mayor Gahan on the American Rescue Plan

SPECIAL COMMITTEE FORMED TO EXPEDITE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

CITY QUICKLY DELIVERS AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN TO THOSE IN NEED

SHOT & SPLASH!

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The City of New Albany has teamed up with the local Health Department for SHOT & SPLASH FRIDAYS! On Fridays in June, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination will be available at River Run Family Waterpark for children 12+ and adults from 11 AM – 3 PM. Participants will need to return to the Health Department for their 2nd shot three weeks later.

“Our SHOT and SPLASH Fridays are designed to help us get our COVID shot out of the way and still enjoy the weekend,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “Get outside, be healthy, and have some fun!”

CITY QUICKLY DELIVERS AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN TO THOSE IN NEED

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A Statement From Mayor Gahan on Today’s Actions

“I’m pleased to announce that today, the City of New Albany took swift action to help bring some relief to those in need and who have been suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Armed with the newly acquired Rescue Plan Funds from President Joe Biden and the 117th American Congress, Commissioners from the New Albany Redevelopment Commission took steps to deliver aid and financial support to three celebrated non-profit organizations in the City of New Albany. I am proud that we were able to work together to quickly provide financial assistance to those who need it the most. We are committed to using these Rescue Funds to help residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and others to rebuild from this ferocious attack on our nation’s health. I want to thank the New Albany City Council for their bipartisan support to help expedite the use of these funds to promote health, healing, and to hasten our local economic recovery.” – Mayor Jeff Gahan

NARC Pushes Funds into Service to Combat Key Issues

At today’s meeting, three initial program allotments were approved by the New Albany Redevelopment Commission (NARC). $50,000 in financial assistance was approved to three organizations: Dare to Care, Hope Southern Indiana, and Our Place Drug and Alcohol Services. Together, these three organizations provide immense assistance with several key issues and problems that communities can face, like food insecurity, eviction protections, utility assistance and/or prevention of disconnection, assistance to veterans, homeless and substance abuse assistance, mental health assistance, addiction services, and more.

Brief History of the American Rescue Plan

In early March, the American Rescue Plan was signed into law. As part of this plan, the City of New Albany is expected to receive a total allotment of $16.83 million to help aid in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The first half has already been received by the city of New Albany, and the second half is expected sometime next year.

The New Albany City Council has, through a bipartisan 5-3 vote, tasked the New Albany Redevelopment Commission (NARC) with implementing programs and funds from the American Rescue Plan. The NARC has vast experience dealing with federal programs and guidelines, as well as having a staff in place to help quickly get these rescue funds into service.

NARC Adopts Rules and Internal Controls for ARP Funds

At today’s NARC meeting, the board adopted rules, policies, and internal controls for administering the American Rescue Plan. The rules mirror the language that was passed by the 117th Congress and includes strict guidelines on what the funds can be used for.

Further Reading and Past Actions:

A Statement from Mayor Gahan on the American Rescue Plan

https://newalbanycityhall.com/home/2021/3/10/a-statement-from-mayor-gahan-on-the-american-rescue-plan

SPECIAL COMMITTEE FORMED TO EXPEDITE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

https://newalbanycityhall.com/home/2021/3/19/special-committee-formed-to-expedite-american-rescue-plan