Over the next 18 years, Wake County will receive more than $65 million as part of the National Opioid Settlement. These funds will bring desperately needed help to communities harmed by the opioid epidemic.
On Friday, March 15, the community is invited to share input on how to spend these funds, as well as get updates on some of the programs and resources already receiving funding.
“In 2022, more than 200 people in our county died as a result of a drug overdose, with opioids playing a role in three-quarters of those lives lost,” said Wake County Board of Commissioners Chair Shinica Thomas. "Input from the community is crucial to guiding future decisions on how we use these funds and ensuring they have the biggest possible impact in communities at the front lines of the overdose crisis.”
The community meeting will run from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at the McKimmon Center at NC State University, 1101 Gorman St., Raleigh.
Attendees will be able to connect with partners across Wake County working to address overdose and opioid use, as well as hear details on how partners can apply for funding. It is also an opportunity for the community to inform planning for the next two years of priorities.
Previous meetings held in 2022 and 2023 helped the County identify four key strategies and areas of focus that are currently receiving funding through June 2024. These include:
- Opioid use disorder treatment
- Care navigation and recovery support
- Early identification and intervention
- Housing access and support
A virtual option is available for those who cannot attend in person. Lunch will be provided.
Anyone interested in attending can register online at wake.gov/opioidsettlement.
