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Commissioner Keigher - DHHS - Health Division - To Approve a Resolution to Direct the Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds and Appropriate $402,350.00 (Year 1: $162,600.00, Year 2: $239,750.00, Total: $402,350.00)
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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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Year 1 (January 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026): Increase revenue and expenses in the Opioid Settlement Funds by $162,600.00.
Year 2 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027): Increase revenue and expenses in the Opioid Settlement Funds by $239,750.00
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 $402,350.00 in Opioid Settlement Funds for Gaston Together to implement two programs in Gaston County: Hub Situation Table and a Community Co-Responder Program. The Hub Situation Table model is a proactive integrated response to at-risk, vulnerable populations to reduce calls to emergency services and the police. The Community Co-Responder Program pairs law enforcement with mental health clinicians to respond to calls-for-service that typically involved behavioral health crises. Both models are designed to provide support and services to those in need in the community and to also provide alternatives to incarceration.
POLICY IMPACT
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
Spending Authorization Resolution and Budget Change Request (BCR)