CONCORD, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Cabarrus County residents can weigh in on how more than $20 million in opioid settlement funds should be used for the community.
The state funds are allocated based on where the opioid crisis was most severe. Factors include number of pills dispensed, number of opioid overdose deaths and number of residents suffering from opioid use disorder. The funds are required to be used to support treatment, recovery, harm reduction and other life-saving programs and services.
A brief, anonymous survey asks about items such as greatest unmet needs, barriers to care and funding priorities. It’s managed by Health Management Associates, and can be found here.
The survey takes less than 10 minutes, and Cabarrus officials will use the data and input from a variety of local organizations to develop a strategic plan on how best to use funds resulting from a series of national settlement agreements.
“Public input is a crucial part of shaping the future of fund use, and in turn the future of Cabarrus County,” said Assistant County Manager Aalece Pugh. “We’re asking anyone who has been impacted by the opioid crisis to participate and help us allocate resources in ways that will truly benefit the community.”
Cabarrus County will receive about $21 million of the $1.5 billion scheduled to go to North Carolina.
Opioids include prescription pain relievers such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, oxymorphone and morphine. The synthetic drug fentanyl is also an opioid, along with heroin.
The state recently implemented a new law prosecuting death by distribution of these substances.
Cabarrus is expected to receive its allocation over the next 18 years. In the first year of distribution, Cabarrus received nearly $1.4 million. For the current fiscal year, the amount was $3.1 million. For next fiscal year (beginning July 1), the amount is $1.6 million.
