Maryland Launches Public Dashboard to Track $747 Million in Opioid Settlement Funds

On May 28, 2026, Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and the state's Office of Overdose Response unveiled a first-of-its-kind public dashboard designed to bring unprecedented transparency to how opioid settlement funds are being used across the state. The interactive tool allows Maryland residents to track the flow of dollars from legal settlements with prescription opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retail pharmacies—all the way to local communities working to address the overdose crisis.

What the Dashboard Shows

The Prescription Opioid Settlement Dashboard provides a comprehensive view of Maryland's opioid settlement landscape:

• Total expected funding: Maryland anticipates receiving over $747 million over the next 15 years through finalized settlements with major opioid industry players
• Funds already received: As of fiscal year 2025, the state has received approximately $245.8 million
• Local distribution: Nearly $170 million has already been allocated or is available for use by counties, cities, and towns across Maryland

The dashboard breaks down how settlement dollars are shared between state and local governments and tracks their investment in evidence-based programs addressing substance use disorder and overdose prevention.

Why Transparency Matters

"Behind every dollar is a person, a family, and a community that has felt the impact of the overdose crisis," said Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller at the launch event. "This dashboard reflects our commitment to honoring those experiences with transparency and accountability."

Maryland Special Secretary of Overdose Response Emily Keller emphasized the importance of responsible stewardship: "We owe it to the communities across Maryland that have borne the brunt of this crisis to use the funds as effectively and transparently as possible."

The dashboard was mandated by legislation passed during the 2025 session—House Bill 798 and Senate Bill 589—requiring the Maryland Department of Health and the Office of Overdose Response to create a public-facing tool for tracking settlement funds.

How the Money Is Used

Settlement funds flow into Maryland's Opioid Restitution Fund (ORF), established in 2019 as a dedicated repository for state-level opioid settlement proceeds. Under Maryland law, these funds must:

• Address the harms of the opioid and overdose crisis
• Add to, not replace, existing funding for substance use disorder programs
• Support evidence-based strategies that reduce overdoses and increase access to life-saving care

The dashboard also provides access to local plans showing how individual counties and municipalities intend to use these funds in their communities—from expanding treatment access to supporting harm reduction initiatives.

A Model for Other States

Maryland's approach represents a growing trend among states seeking to demonstrate accountability for opioid settlement dollars. With billions flowing nationwide from settlements with manufacturers like Purdue Pharma and major distributors, taxpayers and advocacy groups have increasingly called for transparent tracking of how these funds are spent.

The dashboard will be systematically updated each fall following the verification of mandatory annual expenditure reports submitted by local jurisdictions each August, ensuring the information remains current and accurate.

What This Means for Maryland Families

For families affected by substance use disorder, the dashboard offers more than just numbers—it provides visibility into where resources are being directed in their own communities. Whether it's new treatment slots, expanded naloxone distribution, or recovery support services, residents can now see how settlement funds are being transformed into tangible help.

"Ensuring that Marylanders who have been impacted by the opioid crisis have access to world-class care for substance use disorders remains one of our top priorities," said Maryland Secretary of Health Dr. Meena Seshamani.

Looking Ahead

With nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars expected over the coming decade and a half, Maryland's dashboard will play a critical role in ensuring these funds achieve their intended purpose: reducing overdose deaths and supporting recovery across the state.

For Maryland residents seeking treatment or support for substance use disorder, the state's Stop Overdose website provides resources, including the new settlement dashboard and information about available services.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available. Call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information.