Opioid Impact Survey & Outreach

Police Jury Awards First Round of Opioid Abatement Grants from National Settlement Funds. Read more HERE.

National Opioid Settlement

The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury (CPPJ) was granted funding from a national opioid settlement to address alleged damages caused by companies involved in the marketing, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of pharmaceutical opioids. These funds will be distributed to support opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines opioids as a category of drugs including prescription pain relievers (such as OxyContin®, Vicodin®, codeine, and morphine), the illegal drug heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. These substances activate opioid receptors in the body and brain, offering effective pain relief. However, regular use can lead to dependence, while misuse can result in addiction, overdoses, and potentially fatal incidents.

DID YOU KNOW LOUISIANA RANKS THIRD HIGHEST AMONG STATES IN OVERDOSE MORTALITY RATES?
According to data from the Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s Office:

Deaths due to overdose in Calcasieu Parish doubled from 2020 to 2021.
In 2023, more than 75% of overdose deaths in Calcasieu Parish involved fentanyl, making it the primary driver of overdose mortality.
Most overdose deaths involve more than one substance at the same time.

SUICIDE DISCLAIMER
Please remember that you are never alone. Free, confidential help is available for you and your loved ones, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week:
• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
• National Substance Use & Mental Health Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

"This process was intentional and community-driven from the very beginning. We didn’t want to simply distribute funds. We wanted to make sure these dollars were used in ways that directly reflect the needs of Calcasieu Parish and make a comprehensive and measurable impact."