Align the narrative with the ongoing opioid litigation settlement money (from Purdue, Johnson & Johnson, distributors, etc.).
Coordinate partners so the funding story is coherent: settlement dollars and federal programs are positioned as complementary, not substitutes. Use organizing and coalition work to prevent the “we already paid” narrative from undermining continued federal support and implementation. The focus is alignment and follow-through so communities can use multiple streams effectively over time.
Why this works
- This addressed any argument of “haven’t we given enough money to this?” by showing the needs are massive and the approaches complementary.
- It also made clear that the opioid fight is a long haul, requiring sustained multi-source funding.
Public Citizen
AdvocacyChampioning consumer rights and accountable government
Mechanism
About GrassrootsHow Public Citizen uses funding
- Convene stakeholders and align on a shared narrative about what federal programs do and why they still matter.
- Translate complex funding streams into simple guidance for local leaders.
- Build coalitions that can sustain pressure through budget and implementation windows.
- Surface local lessons and share playbooks that reduce confusion and duplication.
- Maintain a cadence of public updates that tracks follow-through over time.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Stakeholder alignment convened
0–30 daysCore partners agree on a shared narrative and roles.
- 2
Guidance package published
1–3 monthsPlain-language materials clarify how programs and funding streams complement each other.
- 3
Coalition sustain phase
3–9 monthsCoordinated outreach continues through funding and implementation checkpoints.
- 4
Follow-through reporting
OngoingUpdates track implementation steps and lessons learned.