Mecklenburg County is setting the stage to tackle the persistent opioid crisis, hosting an all-important conference aimed at increasing community engagement and improving care coordination for those impacted. In a statement obtained by the Town of Huntersville, Sonya L. Harper, the Director of Criminal Justice Services, acknowledged the region's critical efforts in supporting individuals battling opioid use, "From re-entry programs to recovery court, we are on the front lines of the opioid epidemic and are looking forward to more opportunities to collaborate with partners and the community. We’re excited to support the Substance Use Disorder Task Force in bringing this important event to our community."
The "Breaking Barriers: Compassionate Care and Community Engagement in the Opioid Crisis Conference" is expected to foster active dialogue and cooperation. It aims to actively better link up services and to plug holes in existing care. Eyeing a date on Monday, Sept. 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the conference will go down at the Charlotte Convention Center, according to the Town of Huntersville's announcement. Among the highlights will be an update on the allocation and impact of Opioid Settlement funds, marking the fourth year of the funding plan.
Dr. Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County Public Health director, pointed out the extensive reach of the epidemic and the ongoing challenge to mitigate its effects, "We continue to see the opioid epidemic impact every group in our community," he said. He further expressed gratitude to everyone involved, "While we’ve made progress, there’s still much work to be done to protect health and prevent further devastating impacts from opioids. No one does this work alone, and we appreciate all the partners as well as the community members for their commitment and dedication."
The conference is shaping up to be a comprehensive gathering, with representations from public health leaders, justice advocates, behavioral health professionals, and everyday folk. Numerous partners and Substance Use Disorder Taskforce affiliates are expected to assertively support the attendees and the event's agenda.
Those interested in participating or seeking more information can refer to the details outlined in the public announcement on Town of Huntersville's website.
