Mecklenburg County has introduced three new programs aimed at addressing opioid addiction and reducing incarceration, funded by Opioid Settlement revenue. The announcement was made at the Breaking Barriers: Compassionate Care and Community Engagement in the Opioid Crisis conference, which brought together health leaders and community advocates.
According to a Mecklenburg County news release, the initiatives include offering Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) inside the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, creating a Post-Overdose Response Team to act within 72 hours of an overdose, and developing a reentry program for individuals with histories of opioid use. These efforts are designed to provide treatment, rapid response, and support during transitions back into the community.
The conference also featured input from people with lived experience of substance use and sessions led by national and local experts on prevention, care, and recovery. The Post-Overdose Response Team will include EMS, hospitals, peer support, public health, and community partners to connect individuals with emergency assistance, emotional support, and treatment resources. Mecklenburg County stated that the settlement funds will be used through transparent and equitable processes.
