Rowan County Public Health announced on International Overdose Awareness Day that it will use a $28 million opioid settlement to address the addiction crisis. According to the Rowan County’s official statement, the funds come from a national lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors and will be distributed annually through 2039. The settlement requires the money to be spent on treatment, recovery, prevention, and harm reduction initiatives.
The Rowan County reported a 27% decrease in fentanyl-related deaths in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, and a 47% drop in opioid overdose emergency department visits. Despite these declines, fentanyl remains a major issue, especially among adults aged 25 to 44 and predominantly affecting men and White non-Hispanic residents.
Planned actions include funding a Substance Use Program Specialist, launching requests for proposals to expand outpatient treatment and early intervention services, distributing free Narcan, establishing a Post-Overdose Response Team, improving harm reduction services, and enhancing addiction treatment for incarcerated individuals to ensure continuity of care after release.
The Rowan County will also create a grant program to support local partners in providing early intervention and evidence-based addiction treatment services. Hayley Edwards, Substance Use and Mental Health Program Manager, is the contact person for details about the grant program and settlement fund usage.
