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Columbus County adopst FY26/27 opioid strategic plan, allocates $1.18 million for prevention, treatment and recovery
Summary
The board approved the FY26/27 opioid settlement strategic plan and a $1,182,177 budget resolution to continue funding harm reduction, prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery activities, citing local declines in opioid deaths since 2021.
The Columbus County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an FY26/27 strategic plan and budget resolution April 20 to spend opioid settlement funds on a multi‑year package of programs focused on harm reduction, prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery.
Opioid Settlement Consultant Cynthia Wiford, summarizing a planning process that included about 30 local participants and multiple focus groups, told commissioners the recommended FY26/27 allocation totals $1,182,177 and largely continues previously approved strategies while adding activities to strengthen child‑services supports and expand adult drug‑court offerings. "We had close to 30 people in Columbus County participate in our strategic planning process," Wiford said. "We will be recommending funding five major areas in the plan: harm reduction, prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery resources."
Wiford cited local outcome data in support of continued investment: "In 2021, Columbus County had 33 opioid‑related deaths. In 2022, that dropped to 13. In 2023, it increased to 20. In 2024, it decreased to 9. In 2025, it was 5. For the first six months of 2026, it is 2." She attributed reductions in part to funded strategies such as a 24‑hour call center, treatment beds at the Healing Place, and Narcan distribution.
The strategic plan recommends expanding child‑services interventions (working with DSS to support parents with substance use disorders) and strengthening adult treatment court with intensive outpatient services and peer support to help participants with GED completion, job placement, housing and transportation.
Commissioner Barbara Featherson moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Giles Byrd seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The board noted the plan is subject to oversight and reporting requirements tied to the Attorney General’s Office and the settlement’s allocation rules.
