Harnett County opioid task force reports $3.8 million received from settlements, outlines treatment and harm-reduction spending

Harnett County officials updated the Board of Commissioners on May 13 about the county’s opioid task force, the status of opioid settlement funds and program activity, including jail-based medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), expanded Narcan distribution and the creation of recovery housing.

Coley (task force presenter) and Chris (task force presenter) told the board the county expects a roughly $11.9 million payout from national opioid settlements over an 18‑year period and has received a little over $3.6 million to date. Included interest of about $203,000 brings the amount received to about $3.8 million, which is held in a separate fund as required by the memorandum of agreement (MOA).

Why it matters: County leaders said the money is being used to sustain treatment and harm‑reduction programs that county staff say are tied to a decline in several overdose metrics. Officials flagged jail‑based MOUD and peer supports as priorities the task force wants to sustain and expand.

Key details and allocations - Settlement totals and receipts: Task force presenters said the settlement payout schedule spans 18 years and…