Opioid settlement funds poised to transform Wake County

During a recent government meeting, Alyssa Kittles, the opioid settlement program manager, provided an update on the allocation of opioid settlement funds in Wake County. Kittles highlighted the ongoing overdose crisis, noting that 241 residents lost their lives to overdoses in 2022, although there are signs of a plateau in these numbers. She emphasized the importance of timely intervention and the critical role of settlement funds in addressing this public health issue.

Wake County began receiving opioid settlement funds in April 2022, guided by the North Carolina memorandum of agreement. Kittles reported that the county is set to receive an additional $2 million from a recent Kroger settlement, bringing the total available resources to over $65 million. She indicated that while the funds are front-loaded, there is a strategic plan in place to ensure sustainable investment over the 18-year duration of the settlement funds.

Kittles also addressed the potential for future settlements, referencing a recent Supreme Court case regarding Purdue Pharmaceuticals that may lead to additional funding in the coming years. She reassured attendees that the current funding is unaffected by this case.

The meeting underscored the county's commitment to utilizing these funds effectively to combat the opioid crisis, with a focus on community engagement and sustainable program development. Kittles encouraged ongoing collaboration with community partners to maximize the impact of the settlement resources.