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Commissioner Keigher - DHHS - Health Division - To Approve a Resolution to Direct the Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds and Appropriate $614,829.12 (Year 1: $307,414.56, Year 2: $307,414.56, Total: $614,829.12)
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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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Increase revenue and expenses in the Opioid Settlement Funds by $614,829.12. 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 $11,845,106.51 in settlement funds.
This Board Action, if approved, appropriates $614,829.12 in Opioid Settlement Funds for continuation of the existing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program implemented by Kintegra Health. Funds will cover costs of staff members, medications and required labs to support the growth of the existing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. Staff funded will include a part-time community resource advocate, full-time behavioral health provider, part-time behavioral health provider, and part-time medical assistant. These staff will provide ongoing medical care and medication services to uninsured and underinsured Gaston County residents. The behavioral health providers will provide substance use counseling services and expansion of telehealth services. This provider will ensure individuals needing mental health or substance use treatment can...
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