‘There is a lot of unmet need’: Advocates say San Jose is misusing opioid settlement funds

San Jose has received more than $1 million from opioid makers and distributors after major companies settled a lawsuit with cities and states wanting to hold them accountable for the opioid epidemic — but advocates are not happy with the proposed use of the funds.

Criminal justice and mental health advocates said the ongoing funds should go toward more direct treatment for those suffering from addiction driven by the opioid epidemic. Instead, most of the settlement money from companies such as CVS, Walgreens and Walmart is going toward the purchase of naloxone — medication that quickly reverses an opioid overdose — training city workers on its use, nonprofit prevention programs and community awareness campaigns.