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Commissioner Keigher - DHHS - Health Division - To Approve a Resolution to Direct the Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds and Appropriate $1,254,606.19 (Year 4: $612,661.34 Year 5: $641,944.85, Total: $1,254,606.19) and Return Unused Funds, from Years 1 - 3, as of 6/30/26 to Fund Balance
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STAFF CONTACT
Abigail Newton - Assistant Public Health Director - DHHS - Public Health Division - 704-853-5103
BUDGET IMPACT
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Opioid Settlement Fund:
FY27: Increase fund balance appropriation and expenses in the Opioid Settlement Funds by $612,661.34. No additional County funds.
FY28: Increase fund balance appropriation and expenses in the Opioid Settlement Funds by $641,944.85. No additional County funds.
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BACKGROUND
The State of NC joined in the national litigation against pharmaceutical supply chain participants who engaged in the manufacture, marketing, promotion, distribution, or dispensing of opioid medications that have harmed the public. On June 8, 2021, the Board of Commissioners approved the Memorandum of Agreement Between the State of North Carolina and Local Governments on Proceeds Relating to the Settlement of Opioid Litigation (Res. 2021-172) joining in the national litigation. Gaston County was awarded $40,520,354.00 in settlement funds to be received over a period of 18 years. To date the County has received $14 million in settlement funds.
This Board Action, if approved, appropriates $1,254,606.19 in Opioid Settlement Funds for the continuation of existing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program within the Gaston County jail which started in June 2024. These funds will allow Community Paramedics and one peer support specialist to be embedded in the Gaston County jail and administer MAT to those who enter with a prescription as well as pregnant individuals who meet the criteria to initiate MAT. Detention officers will be responsible for movement of patients throughout the jail facility for the purposes of MAT.
Year 4 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027): $612,661.34
Year 5 (July 1, 2027 - June 30, 2028): $641,944.85
Total Budget for Years 4 & 5: $1,254,606.19
This Board Action also allows for any unspent funds as of June 30, 2026, to be returned to fund balance.
POLICY IMPACT
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
Spending Authorization Resolution and Budget Change Request (BCR)