Opioid Advisory Committee Meeting - March 17, 2026

Burke County Opioid Advisory Committee Meeting Recap - March 17, 2026

The Opioid Advisory Committee convened on March 17, 2026, to review progress, discuss ongoing initiatives, and plan for future efforts in addressing the opioid crisis impacting Burke County. The meeting included updates from committee staff, presentations on county values and data trends, and a brief announcement from a community partner. New members Ava Yamudi (representing educators), Kaylee Olson, and Hannah Houston were welcomed to the committee.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on reviewing data related to opioid use and overdose incidents in Burke County. While encouraging trends were noted – a decrease in both overdose fatalities (compared to 2023 and 2024) and emergency department visits related to overdoses – the committee emphasized the critical need to increase access to treatment. Despite successful harm reduction efforts, including widespread naloxone distribution, the number of individuals entering and remaining in treatment hasn't increased proportionally. Data also highlighted a concerning number of foster care cases (118 identified) linked to parental substance use, suggesting potentially higher rates than currently reported. The committee acknowledged that fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to be primary drivers of overdose deaths.

The committee also reviewed the status of opioid settlement funds, noting that $9.5 million has been received and $3.3 million is currently allocated to nine active programs across five key strategies. Updates were provided on several vital initiatives already underway, including the Behavioral Emergency Assistance Response (BEAR) Team – a 24/7 team responding to non-emergency calls and managing high-utilizer cases – the Family Center Treatment-Recovery (FCTR) program, which is showing promising improvements in negative drug screens among participating families, and the High Country MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) program, which boasts high retention rates. The Recovery Court and naloxone vending machine usage were also highlighted as positive developments, with the latter seeing a significant increase in community use. Discussions regarding a new Facility-Based Crisis Center (FBC) dominated the latter half of the meeting, with plans underway to secure funding and identify potential providers.

The committee approved the minutes from their previous meeting, with a minor correction made to a name. No formal votes were taken during this particular session. A brief announcement was provided by Lee regarding an upcoming re-entry simulation hosted by the department, highlighting community engagement efforts.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified. A planning committee will be formed to organize the annual opioid settlement public meeting, a crucial opportunity for transparency and community input. Katie will lead efforts to release a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for architectural and engineering services related to the Facility-Based Crisis Center, marking a significant step toward establishing this vital resource. The committee will also review proposals for continuing funding of existing programs and begin discussions on priorities for future funding opportunities, including potential investments in recovery housing and prevention initiatives.

This meeting underscored the committee's commitment to a data-driven approach, expanding access to both harm reduction and treatment resources, and developing innovative programs like the Facility-Based Crisis Center. The emphasis on "leading with empathy," as highlighted by committee staff, reflects a dedication to addressing the opioid crisis in Burke County with compassion and collaboration. Residents can expect further updates on these initiatives, including details about the upcoming public meeting to discuss opioid settlement fund usage and provide community feedback.