local
YouthZone column: Investing opioid settlement funds where they matter most — Our Youth
By Ali Naaseh-ShahryYouthZone at Glenwood Springs Post Independent
· June 30, 2026
· 4 min read
Here at YouthZone, we’re comfortable talking about substance use and its harmful impacts on communities. One of the most pressing crises of our generation is the misuse of opioids, including the dangerous pathway from prescription pills to heroin and fentanyl.
Over the last decade, local and s...
Key takeaway These efforts have resulted in more than $56 billion in settlements, which communities nationwide must now allocate thoughtfully.
Why this matters in Aspen News
In Pitkin County, where YouthZone operates, the allocation of opioid settlement funds will have a direct impact on the community's ability to address substance use among youth. Given Aspen 's reputation as a world-renowned ski resort, it's easy to overlook the fact that the county's youth face many of the same challenges as those in other parts of the state. YouthZone's track record of providing effective substance use education and mental health services makes it an ideal recipient of these funds. By investing in YouthZone's Substance Use Prevention and Intervention program, Pitkin County can help ensure that its youth have access to evidence-based approaches and talented professionals who can help them develop the skills they need to resist substance use and thrive. This investment will not only benefit the youth themselves, but also contribute to the long-term health and safety of the community as a whole.
About this story
Original reporting by Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Here at YouthZone, we’re comfortable talking about substance use and its harmful impacts on communities. One of the most pressing crises of our generation is the misuse of opioids, including the dangerous pathway from prescription pills to heroin and fentanyl.
Over the last decade, local and s...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by Glenwood Springs Post Independent and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ali Naaseh-ShahryYouthZone at Glenwood Springs Post Independent. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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