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Commissioners approve $446,090 in opioid-settlement spending for post‑overdose response team and vending machines
Summary
The board approved a resolution directing $446,090 in opioid-settlement funds for FY 2026–27: $431,090 to continue a post‑overdose response community paramedic program through Alexander County EMS and $15,000 to operate harm‑reduction vending machines supplying naloxone and related items.
Alexander County commissioners voted June 1 to direct $446,090 in opioid-settlement funds for two evidence‑based strategies: continuation of a post‑overdose response team and ongoing operation of harm‑reduction vending machines.
During the presentation, staff described years of work on the county PORT (post‑overdose response team) program and said the strategy has been associated with local decreases in overdoses and overdose deaths. The resolution references the county’s memorandum of agreement under the national settlement and authorizes two exhibit‑A strategies for the upcoming fiscal year: $431,090 for the post‑overdose response team (07/01/2026–06/30/2027) and $15,000 to continue two harm‑reduction vending machines that provide naloxone and supplies.
Staff recommended, and the board approved, the resolution by voice/hand vote. The county’s EMS and the PORT community paramedic program will provide the post‑overdose follow-up and referral services; EMS will also support logistics for the vending‑machine strategy.
Next steps: Staff will implement the authorized strategies beginning July 1 and provide updates as programs proceed.
