ESCANABA — The Delta County Opioid Taskforce will be holding the inaugural Upper Peninsula Opioid Taskforce Gathering on Friday. The event — considered a working session — will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District (DSISD) large conference room, 2525 3rd Ave S, Escanaba.

The Delta County Opioid Taskforce will sponsor the event with support from the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC). Lunch, snacks and beverages will be provided. Representatives from the MAC will be a featured guest speakers presenting Opioid Taskforce 101 at 10:15 a.m., followed by a Q&A at 11:15 a.m.

The working session is focused on ensuring every U.P. county has a process in place to distribute funds amongst their communities. The day is designed to be interactive and collaborative, allowing counties to share formation strategies, governance structures, bylaws, grant processes, scoring rubrics and lessons.

Participants will be provided with templates, peer contacts and a clear roadmap if their county has yet to formalize a process in distributing opioid settlements and funds.