Durham commissioners appropriate $452,438 to expand sheriff’s medication-assisted treatment program

The Durham County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 25BCC086 on April 14, appropriating $452,437.63 to increase expenditure authority for the Sheriff’s Office Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) grant.

Commissioner Wendy Jacobs had pulled the item for discussion earlier in the meeting. Sheriff Clarence Birkhead said the department is awaiting allocation of the funds from the general fund to the Sheriff’s Office and described plans to expend the remaining grant funding. Keisha Lovelace, legal advisor for the Sheriff’s Office, said the first step to expand the MAT program is hiring a Medical Director; she confirmed that funding was allocated and that the State allows approved medications, including those used for alcoholism treatment, to be funded under MAT where applicable. Commissioner Jacobs asked whether Vivitrol could be used for alcoholism under the MAT program; Lovelace replied that state rules permit funding for approved medications and that the department’s plan focuses on program expansion rather than a specific headcount increase.

Commissioner Michelle Burton asked about the flow of grant funding to departments; County Manager Claudia Hager explained that, procedurally, grant funding comes to the county and departments present plans for how to spend it. Commissioner Valentine asked about timing; Manager Hager said she would review procedures and consistency in handling grant funding. After the discussion, Vice Chair Dr. Mike Lee moved, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs, to approve Item 25-0167; the motion carried unanimously.

The transcript summarizes participants’ remarks and procedural answers; it does not record extended direct quotations. The appropriation carries forward the grant funds and authorizes the Sheriff’s Office to proceed with planned expansion steps, beginning with hiring required clinical leadership for the MAT program.