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Commissioner Keigher - DHHS - Health Division - To Approve a Resolution to Direct the Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds and Appropriate $320,000.00 (Year 1: $140,000.00, Year 2: $180,000.00, Total: $320,000.00)
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STAFF CONTACT
Abigail Newton - Assistant Public Health Director - DHHS - Public Health Division - 704-853-5103
BUDGET IMPACT
budget
Increase revenue and expenses in the Opioid Settlement Funds by $320,000.00. 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 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 $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 $320,000 in Opioid Settlement funds to support a countywide public awareness initiative focused on prevention, education, and community outreach. The initiative will be implemented in partnership with WBTV and will utilize a mix of broadcast and digital communications. The effort will be coordinated with Gaston County Communications and aligned with priorities identified by the Opioid Settlement Team. WBTV will be responsible for campaign management and execution
Year 1 (January 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026): $140,000.00
Year 2 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027): $180,000.00
POLICY IMPACT
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
Spending Authorization Resolution and Budget Change Request (BCR)