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Commissioner Hovis - DHHS - Community Support Services - To Approve a Resolution to Direct the Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds for Kintegra Gaston County Early Intervention Youth Program (Year 1 - FY25: $142,071 / Year 2 - FY25: $278,022 / Total Program: $420,093)
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STAFF CONTACT
Gregory Grier - Community Support Services - 704-862-6735
BUDGET IMPACT
budget
Increase revenue and expenses in the Opioid Settlement Funds by the following:
Year 1 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025): $142,071.00
Year 2 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026): $278,022.00
Total opioid settlement funds: $420,093.00. No additional County funds.
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BUDGET ORDINANCE IMPACT
Minimal impact to the budget ordinance.
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 has 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 will receive a projected $40,000,000 in settlement funds to be received over a period of 18 years. To date, the County has received $9,065,809 in settlement funds. To date, $3,858,518 has been allocated by the Board of Commissioners.
This request, if approved, appropriates $420,093 in Opioid Settlement funds for the creation of an Early Intervention Youth program in three Gaston County Schools (GCS). Through this funding opportunity, Kintegra Health will begin providing early intervention assessment, working collaboratively with GCS and community referrals, for students served by GCS. Early intervention assessment through school-based behavioral health services will be available for face-to-face and virtual services provided 5 days per -week at GCS access points.
Kintegra Health will facilitate Mental Health Youth First Aid, working collaboratively with GCS to support staff, families, and community residents’ opportunities to attend training offered 3 times annually. Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. Additional focus on staff education surrounding early intervention, substance and mental health will be offered. Kintegra Health will support care coordination for identified students and families, as well as aid in supporting improved pathways for all students needing access to mental health/behavioral health/substance abuse services. These services will be supported by funding, as well as the robust Kintegra behavioral health department.
POLICY IMPACT
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
Spending Authorization Resolution; Budget Change Request (BCR)