Commissioners approve two opioid‑settlement peer‑support positions; library committee reappointments cleared

The Alamance County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a request to create two certified alcohol and drug counselor peer‑support positions and a post‑overdose response team funded through $400,000 already appropriated from opioid settlement funds.

"A post overdose response team is a team of responders that works with law enforcement, EMS, fire departments that responds on folks that are going through addiction," said Tony, the staff presenter. He described the team as operating within the 911 system to build relationships that ideally will navigate individuals into treatment services. County staff emphasized that no general fund dollars would be used and that the board would receive an annual recommendation about continuing or discontinuing funding for the positions.

Commissioners approved the positions and related resolution by voice vote (5‑0). The board recorded no general‑fund impact for this request because the positions are covered by previously authorized opioid settlement proceeds.

Separately, commissioners approved reappointments to local library committees: Bonnie Whitaker and Lindsay McKinney were reappointed for Graham's library committee and Debbie Johnson was reappointed for Burlington. Those nominations were made, seconded and adopted by the board without recorded opposition.

The approved peer‑support positions are intended to be part of a broader response strategy to overdose and addiction, with staff returning to the board annually to report on effectiveness and future funding needs. The library committee appointments return previously serving community members to advisory roles on local library boards.