WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Leaders in New Hanover County will soon roll out millions of dollars to battle the opioid crisis.
The money comes from national settlements with drug companies for their roles in creating and fueling the epidemic.
The funding is much needed, as most recent data reports 589 opioid overdoses in 2023.
Starting July 1, $3.3 million will be allocated to 16 programs across the county.
“It’s really nice to see it come full circle and see a lot of the initiatives and a lot of the programs starting to make a significant impact,” Jennifer Rigby, chief strategy officer for the county, said.
New in the 24-25 FY, Tides, Inc. will receive $350,000 from the county. Tides is an extensive, outpatient treatment program serving pregnant and postpartum women with Opioid Use Disorder in New Hanover County.
“The New Hanover County Opioid Settlement funds are crucial to the housing program and has allowed Tides to offer these services at absolutely no cost to the 92 mothers and children who have lived there,” Chief Executive Director Debbie Leggett says. “These funds help make it possible to continue the program with the rising cost of rent in our county. A portion of the Opioid Settlement dollars are earmarked specifically to help graduates of the program. Tides use these funds to subsidize a graduate’s rent for their first year after graduation to help them navigate the complications of life on their own.”
Also new, The Healing Place of New Hanover County, one of the only long-term residential treatment centers in the county, plans to receive $1.2 million.
Executive Director Brian Mingia says this money is crucial to helping the hundreds that have successfully gone through the program.
“Both the city and the county have been incredible supporters of this program,” Mingia says. “With that funding, we’re able to provide food, shelter, clothing, the recovery services that we have access to here as well as getting them connected with any and all benefits. Anything that they need to make sure they’re working through the recovery process.”
Community Resource Portal
If you or someone you know is dealing with substance abuse, the county offers a community resource portal you can access here to connect you with the right resources.
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