Buncombe County to Receive $29 Million from Drug Settlements. Where Does it Go?

Buncombe County to Receive $29 Million from Drug Settlements. Where Does it Go?

Buncombe County is set to receive $29 million from opioid settlements, funding programs like the Buncombe County Community Paramedics Response Team to address the addiction crisis locally.

Thirty-nine-year-old Justin Hall shares his journey of addiction and recovery, highlighting the importance of programs like the Buncombe County Community Paramedics Response Team, which is funded by state opioid settlements.

Last year, the team responded to 986 overdoses, provided over 1,460 peer support sessions, and connected individuals to detox/rehab, housing options, and healthcare services.

Buncombe County will receive $29 million in opioid settlement funds over the next 18 years, with a focus on addressing fentanyl overdoses and deaths. The funds are also supporting outreach programs for individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction.

Response teams equipped with Narcan are making a significant impact in preventing overdose deaths and providing support to those in need. The county is also focusing on outreach to minority populations to address the growing opioid addiction rates.