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Commissioner Brown - DHHS - Community Support Services - To Approve a Resolution to Direct the Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds and Appropriate $866,139.80 for the Recovery Transportation Program
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STAFF CONTACT
Gregory Grier - Community Support Services - 704-862-6735
BUDGET IMPACT
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Increase revenue and expenses in the Opioid Settlement Funds by $866,139.80. 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 $43,000,000 in settlement funds to be received over a period of 18 years. To date the County has received $ 2,801,978 in settlement funds.
This Board Action, if approved, appropriates $866,139.80 in Opioid Settlement funds for the Recovery Transportation Program that will be managed by the Gaston Emergency Medical Services Department. The $866,139.80 will fund three transporters and one lieutenant who are certified peer support specialists or recovery coaches as well as operating costs for two years. Two vehicles will be purchased; one will be an ADA accessible van and the other will be a SUV. Transportation will be provided for individuals without transportation to addiction treatment, harm reduction services, other recovery support services, primary healthcare, and other services needed to support their recovery, health, and well-being. The program will help participants navigate and reduce barriers to consistent treatment and care. The program will also partn...
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