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Commissioner Keigher - DHHS - Health Division - To Approve the Amended 2026-2029 Gaston County Opioid Settlement Strategic Plan
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STAFF CONTACT
Abigail Newton - Assistant Public Health Director - DHHS - Public Health Division - 704-853-5103
BUDGET IMPACT
budget
The adoption of this amended plan will allow spending for programs in Exhibit B, while continuing to fund programs in Exhibit A, of the MOA between NC and local governments on proceeds relating to the settlement of opioid litigation.
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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 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 (Resolution 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, will allow public health to extend the reach of the settlement funds and positively impact more lives. The report, created with the community, will guide our spending for the next four years, ensuring that the funds assist as many individuals as possible for as long as possible.
This is an amendment to the original plan adopted by the BOC at its 8/26/25 Regular meeting (2025-273); pages 6-7 have been updated to reflect partners. The new document must be approved by the BOCC.
POLICY IMPACT
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ATTACHMENTS
Updated Gaston County Opioid Settlement Strategic Plan