The Orange County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on December 3, 2024, focusing on strategies to combat the opioid epidemic through the establishment of the Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA). The meeting highlighted the allocation of settlement funds from opioid manufacturers, which are intended to support treatment, prevention, and reduction efforts related to opioid use disorder.

During the meeting, officials discussed the OAA's role as an independent body created by the Virginia General Assembly to manage funds from opioid-related settlements. Orange County is set to receive approximately $1.5 million by 2039, with funds already being distributed based on a formula that considers community harm. The county has opted into a "gold standard incentive" program, which could provide additional funding if best practices are followed.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the strategic visioning process undertaken by the EPIC committee, which aims to identify and prioritize effective opioid abatement strategies for the county. The committee has conducted a gap analysis to assess local needs and resources, revealing several gaps in treatment options, communication, and recovery support services.

Key recommendations from the EPIC committee included the creation of a part-time opioid or substance use coordinator position to enhance coordination among local organizations and manage opioid abatement funding effectively. This position would be funded through the noncompetitive grant distribution from the OAA, with an estimated annual cost of $33,000.

The board expressed strong support for the proposed coordinator position and the outlined strategies, emphasizing the importance of addressing barriers to treatment, such as transportation and stigma. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these initiatives and ensure the effective use of available funds to combat the opioid crisis in Orange County.