Cabarrus County opioid settlement funds: Investing in our community's health and recovery

North Carolina is receiving approximately $1.5 billion in national opioid settlement funds to combat the opioid crisis. Cabarrus County will receive about $24 million over 18 years (2022–2038) to invest in treatment, recovery, harm reduction and other life-saving strategies aligned with local needs.

Our strategic plan

Overview: Cabarrus County developed a comprehensive, collaborative strategic plan (approved June 2024) to guide the use of these funds, incorporating input from public surveys, local partners and individuals with lived experience.

Focus Areas: The plan prioritizes the following nine areas in both Option A and Option B:

• Collaborative strategic planning
• Evidence-based addiction treatment
• Recovery support services
• Early intervention
• Prevention of overdose deaths
• Addiction treatment for incarcerated individuals
• Reentry programs
• Connecting people who need help to the help they need
• Addressing the needs of pregnant women and their families

Funded programs and initiatives

Current initiatives:

• Cabarrus CORE (Collaborative Opioid Recovery & Education): A new initiative focused on prevention, education, treatment and recovery through community events, outreach and connection within the community
• EMS and Detention Center Interventions: Opioid settlement funding supports evidence-based interventions in Emergency Medical Services and the County's Detention Center. These efforts are supported by Cabarrus Health Alliance, as well.
• Treatment Providers: Opioid settlement funds are allocated to local organizations, such as Cabarrus Health Alliance, Adult & Teen Challenge, Bridge to Recovery and Southeastern Recovery Center for services and housing scholarships
• Prevention in Schools: Cabarrus County Schools supports both prevention and early intervention services within local school systems through the PASS Program and the Recovery High School
• Reentry Programs – TBD