The Ulster County Comptroller has released a second snapshot on the Opioid settlement funds received by Ulster County. In 2023, Ulster County experienced over 460 nonfatal opioid overdoses and 48 opioid-related deaths, with 4 additional likely opioid overdose cases awaiting toxicology screening. While non-fatal overdoses reported has continued to rise, 2023 data reflects a significant reduction from 2021 deaths reported, which saw a high of 71 opioid-related fatal overdoses.
Ulster County was awarded opioid settlement funds as a result of litigation brought by the New York State Attorney General. The opioid settlement funds are meant to provide funding to address the issues associated with the opioid crisis. Ulster County received $1,297,279 from opioid settlement agreements in 2022 and $454,627 in 2023. In addition, Ulster County received $1.2 million in opioid settlement funding through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports in 2023.