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Bladen County approves resolution to direct opioid-settlement funds; health staff outline prevention and recovery outreach
Summary
Commissioners approved a resolution to direct opioid-settlement funds after a presentation from county health staff outlining a 15‑year plan of prevention, school-based life-skills programming and outreach; staff highlighted local resource pages and partnerships with recovery providers.
At the Aug. 3 meeting commissioners voted to approve a resolution directing expenditure of opioid-settlement funds after a presentation from county health staff. Dr. Terry Duncan introduced Katie Evans, the county’s resource coordinator, and described an early-phase plan that emphasizes prevention education, school-based life-skills programming and expanded outreach. "We filled the gap a little bit," Duncan said, noting funding supported local providers including Healing Place, Southern Crossroads and Teen Challenge and that a centralized recovery resources site lists 73 pages of prevention, treatment and recovery information used by about 275 local residents.
Staff described plans to pilot life-skills programs in schools and expand peer-support outreach; they also discussed naloxone distribution for EMS. Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the resolution directing settlement funds for the priorities described by staff.
Commissioners and staff said they will continue to coordinate with schools, behavioral-health partners and community organizations as the multi-year plan is implemented.
