Opioid Advisory Committee Regular Meeting

Opioid Advisory Committee Meeting Recap – July 15, 2025

The Burke County Opioid Advisory Committee convened on July 15, 2025, at the Burke County Commissioners Chambers in Morganton. The meeting was well-attended by most committee members, though Dr. Frank and Hannah Houston were absent. The primary focus of the meeting was reviewing budget recommendations, assessing proposals submitted in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP), and receiving updates on ongoing opioid-related initiatives within the county.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing and evaluating proposals submitted in response to an RFP aimed at identifying community agencies best equipped to address opioid-related challenges. The committee engaged in detailed discussions regarding the 11 proposals received, ultimately recommending some for immediate advancement while others were flagged for revisiting with revised budgets. Proposals deemed unsuitable either failed to meet the established criteria or appeared to duplicate existing services already in place. This careful review process underscored the committee's commitment to ensuring that funding is strategically allocated and maximizes impact.

Beyond the RFP review, the committee received valuable updates on several key programs. Coordinator Katie Samuels reported on the successful launch of a community health vending machine at Catawba Valley Healthcare, stocked with Naloxone and hygiene products – an initiative expected to go live in the coming weeks. Updates were also provided on the Recovery Court program, which currently serves 15 participants and recently celebrated three successful graduations. The Peer Partnering for Excellence (PPE) group, actively involved in awareness campaigns and partnering with the HOPE Center as an advisory board, was also highlighted for its ongoing efforts. The committee reaffirmed its core focus areas: reducing new opioid use, evaluating pathways to recovery, and minimizing fatalities.

Several key decisions were made during the meeting. The committee approved both the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting without objection. A crucial vote was taken to move forward with exploring the implementation of three strategies: Port, Naloxone Distribution, and a Peer Community Navigator program. This decision will require further budget refinement and contract negotiations in the coming weeks. Notably, no public comments were received during the designated time for community input.

Looking ahead, several key action items have been identified. Coordinator Katie Samuels will finalize the annual report on opioid settlement spending and present an impact report to the committee in September. She will also work with selected agencies to refine budgets and scope of work for the approved strategies. A special meeting is scheduled in August to further discuss the RFP proposals, potentially involving presentations from applicant organizations. Committee members are tasked with reviewing and providing feedback on the proposed strategies, emphasizing sustainability and performance metrics. Finally, the Finance Department will provide financial data for inclusion in the annual report.

This meeting demonstrated a strong commitment from the Opioid Advisory Committee to proactively address the opioid crisis in Burke County. By carefully evaluating proposals, supporting existing programs like Recovery Court and PPE initiatives, and exploring innovative strategies such as community health vending machines, the committee is working to reduce harm, support recovery, and ultimately improve the well-being of Burke County residents. The upcoming August meeting promises to provide further clarity on how these efforts will be implemented and measured for success.