New Hanover County officials brief Wilmington on $36.4 million in opioid settlement spending and results

New Hanover County CFO Eric Cradle told the Wilmington City Council that the county and city have been allocated $36,400,000 from national opioid settlements so far, with $4,400,000 pending court approval, and presented FY2026–27 budget recommendations for how those funds should be used.

The recommendations — developed by a joint staff committee and approved by a joint elected committee that includes a city council member — emphasize three focus areas: education and outreach; access to services and treatment; and sustainable recovery and well‑being. Cradle said the county adopted a five‑year strategy when settlement payments began and adjusts it annually to prioritize programs that show results.

"As most of you are aware, the city participates in the national opioid settlements along with New Hanover County," Cradle said in the presentation. He described the allocation mechanics: North Carolina receives about 3% of each settlement, of which 85% is distributed to local governments and 15% retained at the state level. Payments are structured over a multi‑year schedule and…