Gasconade County’s effort to deal with the long-standing opioid crisis has received another boost.

County Treasurer Mike Feagan Thursday morning told the County Commission another $8,900 has been received as part of the county’s share of a large settlement between the states and manufacturers of the highly addictive pain-killing drugs.

So far, the county has received $52,500 in settlement funds designed to pay for programs aimed at curbing opioid addiction.

The funds are being held in a special account by Gasconade County Prosecuting Attorney Mary E. Weston, who explained when the settlement money first was received that her office would be developing programs to help those who have become addicted to the legal drugs. At that time, the prosecutor said she would be consulting with several sources in crafting programs that could include such things as counseling services and treatment options for those effected by opioids.

The opioid crisis, which was at the top of the list of concerns for many local governments several years ago, quickly became overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic when it struck in 2019. While the attention of public health officials and emergency medical service personnel focused on the victims of the virus, the effort to move forward with legal action against opioid makers and distributors continued.

However, the wide-ranging shutdown caused by the pandemic affected those efforts, delaying final court action clearing the way for settlements. When the pandemic eased and courtroom action returned to a more-normal level of activity, the settlements were approved and the process started for dispersing funds to state and local governments.

Feagan reported on the latest round of settlement payments, which will continue through 2038, at last week’s Commission session held in Owensville City Hall.