Monterey County has received its initial funding from a nation-wide opioid settlement, aimed at combating the opioid crisis.

These funds stem from legal agreements with over a dozen companies across the U.S. held accountable for their role in the opioid epidemic. The money is being directed toward local initiatives to address substance use and improve public health, managed through the county health department.

Already, $2.9 million has been delivered to the county between 2022 and 2023, with a total of $13 million anticipated over the next 20 years.

One key recipient of these funds is Central Coast Overdose Prevention, which received $627,609 to establish the Substance Use Response Team. The program provides mobile outreach and street medicine to individuals struggling with substance use disorders across Monterey County.

Special attention is being given to those recently released from Monterey County Jail and the underserved communities in South County, including Soledad and King City.

“The SURT program is more than just medical care — it’s about building trust and offering compassionate, non-judgmental support to individuals often overlooked by traditional healthcare systems. By meeting people where they are, both physically and emotionally, the team fosters a human connection essential for effective care,” a press statement reads.

The program will be staffed by a team of healthcare professionals, including a medical doctor and bilingual peer support specialists, to meet the area’s needs. The team will offer services in locations where individuals are most vulnerable, including on the streets, in shelters and other temporary accommodations.

“This program is a major milestone in Monterey County’s efforts to address substance use with a compassionate, tailored approach,” said Reb Close, medical director and president of Central Coast Overdose Prevention in a press statement. “The Substance Use Response Team will bring care directly to those who need it most, connecting them with life-saving resources and ensuring seamless transitions to local harm reduction, treatment and behavioral health services.”

The program takes a patient-centered approach, providing personalized care to meet the unique needs of each individual. Beyond immediate medical attention, the program will link patients to long-term support services, such as behavioral health programs and harm reduction initiatives, to reduce substance use and improve overall well-being.