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Commissioner Brown - DHHS (Community Support Services) - To Approve a Resolution to Direct the Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds and Appropriate $644,928 for the Community Paramedicine Program; Approve the Addition of Three New Paramedic Positions for the Program
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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 $644,928. 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 was awarded $21,612,790 in settlement funds to be received over a period of 16 years. To date the County has received $2,801,978 in settlement funds.
This Board Action, if approved, appropriates $644,928 in Opioid Settlement funds for the Community Paramedicine Program that will be managed by the Gaston Emergency Medical Services Department. The $644,928 will fund three new paramedic positions allowing the County to provide 24/7 opioid overdose response, bridge the gap from overdose to treatment, expand Naloxone Kit distributions and provide outreach.
POLICY IMPACT
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
Spending Authorization Resolution and Budget Change Request (BCR)