Guilford County Board of Commissioners receives recommendations for distributing opioid settlement funds

The Guilford County Board of Commissioners recently reviewed recommendations on how to distribute funds from a $1.5 billion state settlement with opioid companies with an aim to bolster programs to support those impacted.

Guilford County is expected to receive more than $39 million over an 18-year period from the state's settlement.

The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Thursday to receive the opioid strategic planning report, which outlines ways to use the funds. Public Health Director Iulia Vann said at the meeting the plan looks to build on some of the work already being done countywide.

"There are areas in which we have to have a deeper penetration in order for us to really have a deep response to this crisis in Guilford County," Vann said.

Recommendations include funding for a sobriety treatment and response team, a syringe services program, and renovations for the Women with Children Recovery Center.

County staff will next finalize a strategic plan to be formally adopted at a later meeting.