Sonoma County Invests $5 Million to Tackle the Opioid Crisis

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has approved $5 million in funding for three local organizations leading the fight against the opioid epidemic. This investment is part of a broader effort to reduce the devastating impact of opioids like FYL and emerging threats such as XYL, which have been driving overdose deaths at alarming rates across California.

The funding allocations are as follows:

  • Buckelew Recovery Residences — $3,873,235

  • West County Health Centers — $637,365

  • Drug Abuse Alternatives Center (DAAC) — $489,400

These funds come directly from national opioid settlement agreements with prescription manufacturers and distributors. To date, Sonoma County has received over $14 million, with more expected over the next decade. All settlement dollars are legally required to support programs that combat, reduce, or prevent the harms of opioid misuse in the community.

“This is an important opportunity to make a significant impact on opioid addiction in our county,” said Board Chair Lynda Hopkins. “Too many lives have been ruined due to the extremely harmful nature of these substances.”

The Opioid Crisis in Sonoma County

Like much of the nation, Sonoma County has seen a troubling rise in overdose deaths, largely driven by FYL contaminating the drug supply. Data shows:

  • An average of 12 people die each month from overdoses.

  • Overdose deaths in Sonoma are the third highest among Bay Area counties.

  • Men are three times more likely to die from opioid overdoses compared to women.

  • Black, Latinx, and multiracial residents have experienced the sharpest increases in deaths.

  • The Russian River region continues to be the hardest-hit area.

  • People experiencing homelessness make up 10% of overdose deaths, despite being only 1% of the population.

Although rates dropped slightly between 2022–2024, they remain above pre-pandemic levels—highlighting the persistent nature of this crisis.

“The opioid crisis is highly complex, and requires a multi-faceted approach to address it,” said Nolan Sullivan, Director of the Department of Health Services.

Where the Funding Will Go

The Board of Supervisors prioritized three focus areas:

  1. Recovery Housing — expanding access to safe housing for people in treatment or recovery.

  2. Harm Reduction Programs — including syringe services, Naloxone distribution, and FYL testing.

  3. Community Outreach & Education — using media campaigns and school programs to raise awareness.

1. Buckelew — Housing for Hope

Buckelew will use the majority of the funds to add 68 new recovery residence beds across four housing sites, with a strong focus on underserved groups such as BIPOC, men with children, and those with severe substance use disorders.

“This funding is a chance to respond to an urgent crisis by providing resources that create real, lasting change,” said Chris Kughn, CEO of Buckelew Programs.

2. West County Health Centers — Lower Russian River Opioid Prevention & Harm Reduction Initiative

This initiative will deliver comprehensive prevention and harm reduction services to West County residents, including:

  • Distribution of Naloxone and FYL test strips

  • Peer mentorship programs

  • Targeted digital and print campaigns

“This grant provides much-needed support for our rural community to deliver education, training, and harm reduction supplies,” said Jason Cunningham, CEO of West County Health Centers.

3. DAAC — Wellness on Wheels Expansion

DAAC will expand its mobile outreach services to connect with high-need populations, including:

  • School-based prevention programs

  • Syringe exchange and infectious disease testing

  • Naloxone distribution and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

  • Perinatal care coordination and treatment referrals

The program will focus on reaching youth, the Russian River region, Black/African American and Latinx communities, and men with children.

What’s Next

The Department of Health Services will return later this fiscal year with proposals to allocate the remaining $9.1 million of settlement funding. With overdose deaths continuing to devastate families, these investments represent an essential step in a multi-pronged, community-based strategy to save lives and provide pathways to recovery.

Source: County of Sonoma

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