Sheriff encourages supes to reconsider redistribution of opioid funds

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Sheriff Rich McNamee spoke to the Board of Supervisors about concerns for the redistribution of opioid funding, Tuesday.

After McNamee expressed his concerns, presented his law enforcement opinion, and further explained how his department and the department of public health could use the funds, the board voted to overturn the decision and proceeded the process of reclaiming the opioid funding.

“I was surprised when I read the article that they [the Board of Supervisors] had voted to not take the opioid funds, because they’d never reached out to me,” McNamee said.

On July 19, supervisors voted to redistribute opioid funds, however, McNamee was put on the agenda for the Aug. 2 supervisor meeting to encourage the board to reconsider.

McNamee was surprised to find the Iowa Department of Public Health ranked Henry County 45 for opioid overdose vulnerability in Iowa’s 99 counties, but not surprised that opioids are a concern in Henry County.

“There are some programs we could use this funding for in the jails,” McNamee said.

He also suggested using the money for public service announcements, Narcan replenishment, and other programs through public health to diminish the ill effects of opioids in the County.

“The meeting went very well,” McNamee said. “It seems like we are back on track to receiving the funding.”

According to Board Chair Greg Moeller, the county will receive the funds and the Sheriff’s Office will take care of all of the paperwork and filing requirements outlined in the litigation for the funds.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com