WARREN, Ohio - Warren Health and Welfare Committee chairwoman Helen Rucker held a meeting to discuss how the city will distribute opioid settlement funds. 

Councilwoman Rucker invited counselors and members from mental health and drug recovery workers, crisis support services, as well as research and education groups to come to the meeting to share ideas on how best to use funds from the settlement. 

Warren law director Enzo Cantalamessa told council members how they can legally use the funds from the settlement, as well as how much money has been granted to the city. 

The city of Warren received money from multiple opioid settlements,  and additional funds are expected to come to the city through settlements that are currently in progress. 

The city has received $105,534.57 from settlements so far. The city will need to hold those funds in separate, restricted accounts. 

According to Cantalamessa, the guidelines outlining the funds are very narrow, and the funds can only be used on specific things. 

The money is able to be spent on expanding the availability of treatment for individuals who struggle with substance abuse disorder.  

Councilwoman Rucker is hoping to use the money to help broaden the reach of people who are struggling from opioid addiction who need care. 

"I want the whole city to be apart of this, from local churches to social organizations and even the city's court systems," said councilwoman Rucker. 

Councilwoman Rucker says that she will continue to have meetings in the Health and Welfare Committee, as well as working with mental health and the churches to get as much information out as possible. 

Over the next 18 years, there will be a fund in Warren to help people who are suffering from opioid use.