The Birmingham City Council voted Tuesday to direct $609,699 of the city’s opioid settlement funds toward hiring new personnel for the Drug Nuisance and Abatement Team. The money comes from a larger $97.6 million settlement with six pharmaceutical‑supply companies, including Associated Pharmacies Inc. and United Natural Foods Inc.
Settlement funds put to work locally
City officials say Birmingham has received $3.2 million in total from the nationwide opioid settlements. Council members agreed that a portion of those funds should bolster the city’s drug‑enforcement capabilities, specifically by adding staff to the team that disrupts illegal drug sales in residential neighborhoods.
“Investing settlement money in our own public‑safety resources directly protects families and neighborhoods,” said Councilor Darrell O’Quinn, who chairs the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “Our Drug Nuisance and Abatement Team is on the front lines of keeping our streets safe for parents and children.”
Road safety and emergency access also on the agenda
In the same meeting, the council set a public hearing for November 17 at 9:30 a.m. to consider permanently closing a 900‑foot segment of Woodcrest Road South and Warick Court South. The stretch has been blocked with temporary barriers for years because of cracked pavement and unstable slopes.
O’Quinn explained the importance of the road for emergency responders: “This connection between Highland Avenue and 21st Street is critical for first‑responder access. Maintaining a safe right‑of‑way is essential for protecting our community.” No repair plans were announced, and the council will decide whether to close the road permanently after the hearing.
National context of opioid settlements
The Birmingham settlement is part of a broader national effort that has generated $58.58 billion in payouts to U.S., state, local and tribal governments, according to the Opioid Settlement Tracker. More than 5,000 municipalities stand to receive money from the litigation against companies that profited from the nation’s opioid crisis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 1 million Americans have died from drug overdoses since 1999, with as much as 80 percent involving opioids. Local leaders say directing settlement money toward prevention and enforcement is a responsible way to address the lingering impact of the epidemic.
Next steps
The council will move forward with the hiring process for the Drug Nuisance and Abatement Team in the coming weeks. Residents who wish to comment on the proposed road closure are encouraged to attend the November 17 hearing at City Hall.
City Attorney Nicole King reminded council members that the settlement funds must be used in accordance with the agreement’s terms, emphasizing transparency and accountability in how the money is spent.
Original reporting: BirminghamWatch — read the source article.
