Tobacco settlement to fund healthcare in Washington, DC

It's been ten years since Washington, DC was awarded $245 million--its share of the tobacco industry's 1998 historical class action settlement with the states. Rand Corp. has produced a report to help provide guidance to the District about how it could best make use of the funds, suggesting that roughly $90 million be invested in local community health centers to reach the District's most underserved residents. Rand has also recommended that $24 million go to improving electronic medical records systems and $7.5 million for mental and oral healthcare.  Mayor Adrian Fenty has said that he will also seek input from community leaders and other stakeholders before making any final decisions. Part of the funds will also be earmarked for grants and others public/private partnerships.

For more info:
- see The Washington Post story 
- also The Rand Corporation study