Burke County Advances Bold Opioid Recovery Initiatives with $25 Million Settlement Funds

The Burke County Opioid Advisory Board (OAB) is moving forward with decisive recommendations aimed at tackling the opioid crisis head-on. During its upcoming meeting on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM, the Burke County Board of Commissioners will review a series of formal proposals designed to strengthen recovery services and expand life-saving resources across the community.

Formed in early 2025, the 11-member OAB was established to ensure accountability and provide guidance on how opioid settlement funds are used. Burke County is projected to receive $25 million over 18 years, earmarked specifically to support individuals and families affected by the epidemic, including those impacted by substances like FYL and XYL.

County-Driven Proposals

The OAB has advanced several recommendations for county-operated initiatives, including:

  • Co-Responding Post-Overdose Response Team – Expanding the county’s existing Community Paramedic Program to provide immediate support after overdoses and help connect individuals to treatment.

  • Naloxone Distribution – Increasing the availability of the overdose-reversing medication Naloxone across the county to save lives in emergencies.

  • Peer Navigator Role – A dedicated professional to guide individuals through available recovery resources, ensuring they find the support they need.

Community-Based Provider Recommendations

The Board is also advocating for strong partnerships with local organizations to expand proven recovery programs:

  • A Caring Alternative – Selected to deliver Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program (SAIOP) and Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment (SACOT) services. Both models are nationally recognized, with research showing up to 80% abstinence within six months.

  • High Country Community Health (HCCH) – A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) proposing to expand low-barrier Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). The plan includes a triage and referral system to connect individuals to long-term recovery options.

  • SPARC – Approved to provide Family-Centered Treatment, an intensive, in-home program that treats substance use disorder within the family unit. This model has produced exceptional outcomes nationwide by focusing on healing the entire household.

A United Effort for Recovery

“These recommendations represent a bold and unified step toward addressing substance use and recovery through collaboration, innovation, and data-driven strategies,” said County Commission Chairman Jeff Brittain.

With the infusion of settlement funds and a coordinated effort among county leaders, healthcare providers, and community organizations, Burke County is positioning itself to become a model for recovery-focused solutions in the fight against opioids.

Source: Burke County

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