Opioid Advisory Committee - November 18, 2025

Opioid Advisory Committee Meeting Recap: November 18, 2025 – Focusing on a Holistic Response to the Opioid Crisis

The Opioid Advisory Committee convened on November 18, 2025, to continue its vital work addressing the opioid crisis in Burke County. The meeting showcased significant progress on several fronts, emphasizing a commitment to comprehensive support and data-driven strategies. Key stakeholders were in attendance, including committee members, representatives from local healthcare providers, law enforcement (the Sheriff’s Office), and community partners.

A major focus of the meeting was the official launch and celebration of the "Bear Team," formerly known as the Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT). This team represents a shift towards a more holistic response to opioid overdoses, moving beyond immediate medical intervention to address the underlying social and health challenges that often contribute to substance use. The team, comprised of Mary Jo Silver, Tina (Community Paramedic), Lee Gant, and Matt, along with additional community paramedics, was formally introduced to the committee. The branding reflects a vision of strong protection and support centered on addressing social determinants like falls, food insecurity, and other crucial needs.

Beyond the Bear Team launch, the committee received valuable updates on several provider-led initiatives funded earlier in the year. These include SPARC (Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment), A Caring Alternative (focused on intensive outpatient services), and High Country Community Health, which is partnering with the Bear Team to offer low-barrier Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Progress was noted across all these programs, with SPARC successfully receiving referrals from the Department of Social Services (DSS). The committee also discussed ongoing planning for a much-needed facility-based crisis center, designed to provide short-term stabilization (5-7 days) for individuals experiencing behavioral health or substance use crises, and to serve as a first evaluation site for involuntary commitment orders. Finally, the committee highlighted a successful partnership that secured Naloxone at a significantly reduced cost, enabling wider distribution throughout the community.

The Sheriff’s Office offered valuable perspective during public comments, emphasizing the importance of providing support after treatment to address recurring issues and prevent relapse. This highlighted a shared understanding that sustained recovery requires ongoing support beyond initial intervention. While no formal votes were taken, discussions clearly demonstrated strong support for all initiatives under consideration and implementation.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified to ensure continued progress. The committee will continue efforts to fill two remaining co-responder positions for the Bear Team, review and approve contracts with Burke Recovery, Christ Centered Recovery Ministries, and Catawba Valley Health, and develop a plan for sharing data from the new ESO (electronic healthcare reporting system) dashboard with relevant stakeholders, while adhering to privacy regulations. Regular meetings are planned for grantees to share progress and collaborate, and the committee will reconvene on January 20th to further discuss provider proposals and contract reviews. Work continues with partners to finalize the design of the facility-based crisis center, a crucial component in expanding access to care.

This meeting underscored the Opioid Advisory Committee’s dedication to tackling the opioid crisis in Burke County with a comprehensive, data-informed approach. The focus on addressing social determinants of health and building a robust continuum of care, combined with the innovative Bear Team initiative and ongoing support for provider programs, represents a significant step towards improving outcomes for individuals struggling with substance use and their families. Residents can expect to see continued progress as these initiatives are implemented and refined, ultimately contributing to a healthier and safer community.