Current Initiatives

The Opioid Settlement Steering Committee has prioritized two of the nine core strategies outlined in Exhibit E of the opioid settlements for initial use of funds. Assessment and planning efforts will be ongoing to identify additions or changes to the priority areas.

Priority Area #1: Fund warm hand-off programs and recovery services

Warm hand-offs and care coordination help individuals start treatment and navigate additional needed support services.

Priority Area #2: Enrich evidence-based prevention

Evidence-based youth primary prevention programs have been shown to reduce risky behaviors, including drug misuse.

Priority Area #1 Strategy: Opioid Care Coordinators

Opioid Care Coordinator positions were developed and assigned to Scott County Community Services, a department already engaged in navigation work, based on recommendation from the Opioid Steering Committee. The Opioid Care Coordinators provide continuous support and navigation assistance to individuals with opioid use disorder to treatment services and other needed resources.

Coordinators stay in contact with individuals to assist in navigating services and ensuring adherence to treatment plans. Ongoing support, such as transportation to appointments, is offered to increase engagement and continuity of care.

Examples of specific connections the Opioid Care Coordinators can assist with include housing assistance, medication assisted treatment services, clothing assistance, childcare, social services, mental health services, and more.

The Opioid Care Coordinators also provide presentations on opioid awareness to students in schools. If you are interested in setting up a presentation, use the contact information below. 

Contact an Opioid Care Coordinator for more information at 563-326-8723 or fill out a referral form. 

Number of Individuals Served by Opioid Care Coordinators (through April 2026) = 150

Number of Students Educated on Opioid Awareness (through April 2026) = 650+

Priority Area #2 Strategy: Prevention Curriculum in Schools

The four public school districts in Scott County (Bettendorf, Davenport, North Scott, and Pleasant Valley) discussed prevention curriculum needs for all youth in Scott County. District representatives collectively selected the curriculum Character Strong as an evidence-based prevention program for preventing the development of behavioral health problems, including mental health and substance use issues. 

Learn more about the Character Strong program here. 

Parallel Project: Overdose Data to Action in States (OD2A-S Grant)

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services contracted with Scott County to implement the Overdose Data to Action in States grant. OD2A-S aims to expand surveillance efforts to track fatal and non-fatal overdoses, close gaps in access to care through harm reduction and linkages to care, and improve collaboration between public safety, public health, and other sectors.

Resources and Support for Prescribers

The Overdose Prevention Consultant provides one-on-one support to healthcare providers who prescribe controlled substances. Available resources include information on prescribing guidelines, screening tools, and local referral options.

Scott County Public Health and Safety Team (PHAST)

The Scott County Public Health and Safety Team is a diverse group of partners working together to review data and address overdoses in the community.

Contact Scott County Community Services for more information on prescriber support or to get involved with the Scott County Public Health and Safety Team at 563-326-8723 or [email protected]. 

Peer Recovery Support

The Peer Recovery Coach at Vera French provides one-on-one peer support and care navigation to individuals with substance use disorder.

Contact Vera French for more information on the peer recovery coach's services at 563-322-5276 (main) or 563-396-3227 (mobile).