NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Members of the public are invited to share their input on programs and strategies implemented locally with funding support from the National Opioid Settlement and the county’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Fund.
The public input session will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12 in Conference Rooms 136-139 at New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive.
This input will shape the update of the county’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Strategic Plan. This is a requirement by the North Carolina Memorandum of Agreement from the National Opioid Settlement, a $50 billion settlement from major drug distributors, manufacturers, and pharmacies to fund opioid crisis abatement.
Over an 18-year period, New Hanover County will receive more than $37 million from the settlement. The county is working jointly with the City of Wilmington to determine the best use of these funds, with a focus on programs and providers that offer wraparound services for substance use disorders.
The county also has Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Fund, created with $50 million through the sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Assets from the fund, including investment earnings, may be utilized by the board of commissioners on initiatives related to mental health and substance use in the county, and approved as part of the annual budget process.
Both the fund and opioid settlement are part of the county’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Strategy. The original plan was adopted in September 2022 and was established to guide funding priorities aimed at education and outreach, accessing services and treatment, and supporting recovery and overall well-being.
The Oct. 12 meeting will bring together community partners and service providers who have been working throughout the county to assist individuals in need, allowing for a review of data and other information on their work. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the agencies, programs and initiatives funded as part of the county’s Numerous local partners will be available at the event to share resources aimed at addressing this issue in the community.
Provided comments will be taken into consideration as the next iteration of the county’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Strategic Plan is designed.
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