Chowan committee weighs EMS responder, treatment court and Narcan kits for opioid settlement funds

The Chowan County Opioid Settlement Funds Committee met June 25 and discussed options for spending the county's opioid settlement dollars, including creating a regional EMS post-overdose response position, supporting an Adult Treatment Court and expanding Narcan distribution.

County Manager Kevin Howard told the committee the settlement receipts for Chowan "are limited and will be around $1.3 million over 18 years" and said he expects the committee to bring a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners in the fall. Finance Officer Cathy Smith said the county has received "around $404,000" so far and that, if spread over 20 years, the money would amount to about $50,000 per year.

Those differing figures framed the committee's discussion about scope and priorities. Members agreed the immediate step is to compile a list of local needs and allowable uses before recommending a spending plan. The clerk was asked to resend a PowerPoint that details permitted uses for the settlement money; no formal vote or allocation was taken at the meeting.

Several members and advisory participants said regional cooperation could stretch limited local dollars. Edenton Town Councilman Aaron Coston asked whether a subcommittee could coordinate with neighboring counties; County Manager Howard and others said managers in Gates and Perquimans counties have signaled interest in partnering on an EMS post-overdose response position. Howard cautioned that a regional arrangement raises accountability questions and suggested using a single agency to manage funds if neighbors join in.

Committee members and advisory participants discussed several program options permitted under settlement guidance. Trillium Health Vice President Bobbie Lowe said an Adult Treatment Court is an approved use and that a local judge has expressed interest; Lowe noted Dare County already operates such a court. Sheriff Edward Basnight described a Pitt County vending machine that dispenses Narcan but said many people struggling with addiction are "scared to utilize the vending machines." Lowe said she would forward information on a similar vending machine now in Warren County and announced Trillium will send 130 Narcan kits to Chowan County.

Substance abuse counselor Kristy LaLonde, who said she was observing the meeting, told the committee she plans to participate going forward and emphasized barriers to uptake: "trust is a major issue," she said, and added there are currently "no treatment options in Chowan County." County Manager Howard said starting programming through EMS is the most practical initial option and noted EMS is advertising for an assistant director who would be brought up to speed on the committee's work.

The committee set its next meeting for July 31 at 4:00 p.m. and adjourned without taking formal action. Staff will compile a needs list, circulate allowable-use guidance and return with a recommendation to the full Board of Commissioners in the fall.