SUBJECT
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A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laredo, authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application in the amount of $243,711.00 to the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council to support the operations of the Detoxification Department, ROOTS Recovery Center to provide detoxification services to individuals experiencing substance use withdrawals; and execute all relevant documents as determined by the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council. Grant funding will be up to $$243,711.00 for a one-year funding cycle. No grant match is required for this funding opportunity. Grant will be accounted for in the Detoxification Center Fund - CORE LT Grant.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating:
☑ Strong - Directly supports or fulfills a clearly stated and verbatim goal or policy from the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan.
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Goal 7.2 - Behavioral Health Access
Verbatim text: “Ensure access to preventive care and treatment of behavioral health, including mental health and substance abuse services.”
Source: Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan.
Page: 7.23
Relevance: This agenda item applies directly to expanding services for individuals experiencing substance use withdrawal by seeking significant grant funding to support detoxification services. The focus on substance abuse treatment directly fulfills the intent of ensuring access to behavioral health care.
Policy 7.2.1 - Substance Abuse Programs
Verbatim text: “Support and expand programs that address substance abuse, addiction, and mental health issues in the community.”
Source: Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan.
Page: 7.23
Relevance: The agenda item proposes applying for grant funds specifically for detoxification and recovery support-an initiative that clearly expands programs addressing substance abuse, aligning with this policy’s directive.
Policy 7.1.3 - Collaborative Healthcare Access
Verbatim text: “Collaborate with public, private, and nonprofit sectors to improve access to affordable and quality healthcare services.”
Source: Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan.
Page: 7.22
Relevance: The proposed grant and partnership with the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council exemplify collaboration between government and external funding bodies to improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations, reflecting the collaborative intent of this policy.
Summary of alignment:
This agenda item strongly aligns with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan:
• It directly fulfills Goal 7.2, which explicitly targets behavioral health and substance abuse services-a primary focus of the proposed grant funding.
Policy 7.2.1 is directly applicable, as the resolution is aimed at expanding detoxification and recovery services that address substance use issues-a core element of the Plan’s behavioral health strategies.
The action exhibits coherence with Policy 7.1.3 by leveraging cross-sector resources and partnerships to enhance access to affordable behavioral health care, consistent with the holistic approach to healthcare access envisioned in the Plan.
Broader planning themes supported include:
Public Health and Wellness: Expands treatment capacity for substance use disorders.
Health Equity: Targets services for individuals in vulnerable circumstances, improving equitable access to detox and recovery.
Cross-Sector Collaboration: Utilizes external grant mechanisms to enhance local service provision.
Given these direct connections to explicit goals and policies in the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, the agenda item’s alignment is Strong.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
No previous council action on this funding opportunity.
BACKGROUND
The Opioid Abatement Fund Council (OAFC) seeks to empower local organizations to address the opioid crisis at its roots through the 2025 Long-term Community-based Opioid Recovery Effort (CORE) grant opportunity. The opioid crisis affects every corner of our community - families, neighbors, schools and workplaces. It is a silent epidemic that devastates lives and undermines the strength of our neighborhoods. CORE grants will empower communities with tools:
Save Lives: Expand access to life-saving treatments and evidence-based interventions.
Build Hope: Offer individuals and families the support they need to rebuild their futures.
Unite Communities: Foster collaboration across healthcare providers, law enforcement, local leaders and community organizations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends approval as funding will directly support center operations to treat individuals experiencing substance use disorders in rebuilding their lives and reunite with their families.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: FY 26-28
Budgeted Y/N?: N
Source of Funds: n/a
Account #: n/a
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: n/a
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Application submission has no financial impact to the organization.