Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker is set to announce a new round of opioid settlement funding that will distribute $520,350 to fourteen local nonprofits and service providers. The money, part of the city’s ongoing settlement payments from nationwide opioid lawsuits, is intended to bolster programs that assist individuals and families struggling with opioid and other substance addictions.
Funding details and timeline
The announcement will take place at a news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m. at One K9 THE FOB, 2301 Pennsylvania Street in Fort Wayne. The city expects the funds to be allocated shortly after the conference, allowing recipient organizations to expand services, hire staff, and increase outreach efforts.
How the money is being directed
The grant package supports a range of services, including addiction counseling, recovery housing, family education, and community outreach. By targeting both direct treatment and preventative education, the city hopes to reduce the impact of opioid misuse on families throughout Allen County.
Background on the settlement program
Fort Wayne began receiving opioid settlement payments after a series of national legal actions against manufacturers and distributors of prescription opioids. Those payments are scheduled to continue through 2038, providing a long‑term revenue stream for local anti‑addiction initiatives.
In 2025, Mayor Tucker established the National Opioid Settlement Committee to advise on how the funds should be used. The committee brings together community leaders, health professionals, and faith‑based groups to ensure the money addresses the root causes of addiction and supports recovery pathways that align with family values.
Previous investments
Since the program’s inception, the city has allocated nearly $1.5 million across two earlier rounds of funding, plus an additional $40,000 in mini‑grants for smaller projects. Those earlier investments have helped expand treatment capacity, launch educational campaigns, and support after‑care services for those in recovery.
Community response
Local leaders and faith‑based organizations have praised the mayor’s continued focus on combating the opioid crisis. “These funds give families hope and practical help at a time when many are struggling,” said a spokesperson for a participating recovery center. The mayor emphasized that the settlement money is a gift from the courts to the community, and that responsible stewardship of those resources is essential for protecting the well‑being of Fort Wayne’s families.
The upcoming announcement underscores Fort Wayne’s commitment to addressing addiction as a public‑health issue while reinforcing the city’s dedication to strong, traditional families and individual liberty.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
