City of Mobile allocates $2 million to projects addressing opioid crisis
Mar 12th, 2025
Posted in: Press Release
For Immediate Release
City of Mobile allocates $2 million to projects addressing opioid crisis
Mobile, Ala. — Through a partnership with the Helios Alliance, the City of Mobile has completed a pioneering process to distribute $2.2 million to multiple organizations fighting the opioid crisis in Mobile.
In 2024, the city enlisted the Alliance to develop a process for soliciting and evaluating proposals from local organizations combating opioid abuse and addiction. Over several months, the Alliance and an evaluation committee of community stakeholders thoroughly reviewed 32 applications seeking funding derived from previous lawsuits the City of Mobile filed against opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Of the submitted applications, the Alliance and its evaluation committee recommended 16 proposals to the Mobile City Council, which unanimously approved them at a meeting earlier today.
This unique initiative will support programs focused on four critical areas: Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment, prevention, survival programs, and communication and coordination. By utilizing System Dynamics modeling and an evaluation committee composed of various community leaders, the Alliance created a data-driven approach to allocating these critical funds in the City of Mobile.
"This process marks a breakthrough in how municipalities can strategically tackle the opioid epidemic," said Caroline Etherton, Chair of the Helios Alliance and its evaluation committee. "By utilizing advanced modeling and uniting various community expertise, we've established a framework that can serve as a model for other cities confronting this challenge."
Mayor Sandy Stimpson emphasized the significance of the public-private partnership: “We are grateful to the Alliance and the community stakeholders who provided input and guidance throughout this process,” Mayor Stimpson said. “Mobile has seen firsthand the devastating effects of unchecked opioid distribution on our citizens, families, and economy. Through this unique partnership, we have identified and supported transformative projects that will make a lasting impact across the City of Mobile.”
With its first group of opioid abatement projects selected, the City of Mobile has taken a significant step toward addressing and preventing opioid abuse and addiction. More information about the 16 recipients and their proposals is available at theheliosalliance.com/recipients-for-city-of-mobile
Click here to view the Helios Alliance Recommendations