Randolph County approves nearly $2 million in opioid‑settlement reimbursements, funds naloxone distribution and navigator services

Randolph County commissioners approved a slate of opioid‑settlement reimbursement awards totaling roughly $1.95 million in requests from local providers and county programs.

Assistant County Manager William Johnson told the board that 11 applications passed the county vetting process and that awards are reimbursement‑based and must comply with the state memorandum of agreement that governs opioid‑settlement expenditures. "These fundings that you will be approving tonight are on a reimbursement basis," Johnson said, and staff monitor reimbursements for MOA eligibility.

The board approved nine requests in block and then considered two applications individually. Among approvals were awards for Keaton's Place (both recovery support services and recovery housing, including a previously awarded $300,000 and a separate $150,000 request), Bloom Therapeutics ($150,000), juvenile and adult day‑reporting center supports ($150,000 each), Randolph County Detention Center naloxone distribution ($150,000) and a medication‑assisted‑treatment (MAT) program ($300,000), and Randolph County Emergency Services ($150,000).

Public testimony included an emotional plea from foster parent Faith Tedder supporting Bloom Therapeutics' request for play‑therapy for young children affected by parental substance use.

Commissioners debated two contested items. A motion to delay Community Hope Alliance's request for three years failed 3‑2; the board then approved Community Hope Alliance for $150,000. Commissioners also debated funding for the Randolph County Public Library's navigator program, including whether the navigators duplicated services offered by existing nonprofits; the board approved $150,000 for the library navigator program by a 3‑2 vote. Commissioners noted the opioid funds are court‑directed awards administered over 18 years (the county expects approximately $20 million over 18 years), and staff emphasized audits and reimbursement controls.

Chair Bryan framed the funds as life‑saving investments, noting naloxone distribution and navigation services help people get to treatment and avoid overdose deaths. "We can't do much with a soul or a life when it's dead," a commissioner said while discussing naloxone purchases.

Next steps: Award contracts and reimbursement agreements will be executed; recipients must submit eligible expenditures for reimbursement under the state MOA, and county staff will monitor audits and reporting.