The Isabella County Board of Commissioners announced the new Opioid Committee to combat opioid addiction within the county. The committee is still in the process of solidifying itself, but there are plans for its establishment in 2026 when the first round of grants is available.

“Opioid addiction is a problem that has affected the nation,” Jerry Jaloszynski from District Three on the Board of Commissioners said. “Opioids are very hard to get off of, and it takes a lot of counseling, a lot of effort, a lot of family support, and all of these things can cost a lot of money.”

A class action lawsuit against opioid manufacturers was filed by the state and various local governments after people became addicted to the drug and created a national crisis. Settlements were made by the manufacturers, pharmacies and distributors.

The Opioid Committee has been getting money from those settlements for over three years and it has been put in a secure fund. While the money stays in the fund, interest will accumulate to form grants.

“I believe at this point we have $1.1 million that we already have in that fund," Jaloszynski said. "Over the period of time that it has generated in those three years, I think we’re closing around $70,000.”

Jaloszynski said that the grants will be given to organizations that deal with opioid addiction. They will use the money to directly help and educate citizens dealing with opioids. These organizations may reside outside of Isabella County, but the money will be used for residents of Isabella County.

The majority of these interests procured will be spent on opioid illness through grants. The remaining will be used to cover overhead expenses, and have the option to aid other drug addictions.

Currently, there are seven members on the committee, but six more seats need to be filled before they take action and start distributing grants.

“I’m thinking once we get ten or so people, I will take the task of calling members together that have been appointed for an organizational meeting where we’ll go and have an election of officers and determine the frequency of meetings,” Jaloszynski said.

Appointments for seven members were already approved to be made at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Oct. 7, 2025:

Isabella County Trial Court Chief Judge Eric Janes
Central Michigan District Health Department Community Health Supervisor Anna Reetz
Prevention and Collegiate Recovery Manager Jessica Miller
Community Mental Health for Central Michigan Chief Clinical Officer Jennifer McNally
Program Director Medical Assisted Treatment Clinic Ryan Griffus
Nurse Practitioner Roberta “Sue” Hahn

Jaloszynski emphasized that there will be a diverse group as part of the committee, with at least three members who have or are dealing with opioid addiction, a medical professional who has worked to serve people with drug addiction and someone from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe Behavioral Health department.

Anyone who fits the criteria can apply, such as medical professionals who assist in drug abuse or someone who has been involved in opioid addiction. If someone is interested, they can reach out to Jaloszynski at (989) 330-4890.

The committee's goal is to have thirteen people within a few months to get the committee further along to start helping the community of Isabella County.