Opioid Advisory Committee Meeting

Meeting Overview The Burke County Opioid Advisory Committee convened on July 21, 2026, with an Acting Chair presiding due to the absence of the Chairman and Vice Chairman. The meeting focused on operational updates regarding current opioid response initiatives, grant statuses, and strategic planning for the allocation of opioid settlement funds. The committee reviewed data from the Behavioral Engagement and Recovery (BEAR) team, the regional Recovery Court, and the planned Facility-Based Crisis Center, while also addressing community feedback gathered from the annual Recovery Summit.

Key Decisions and Votes The committee took formal action to approve the agenda and the minutes from the March 17, 2026 meeting, both by unanimous voice vote. The primary substantive decision made during this session was the approval of opioid settlement funding priorities and the associated funding process. By unanimous voice vote, the committee agreed to utilize a "Letter of Intent" process rather than a full Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the upcoming funding cycle. This decision aligns with a budget allocation of $550,000 for a new Request for Proposal (RFP) process, aiming to shift funding focus from treatment-only services to broader community-based priorities identified through recent community feedback.

Discussion Highlights Dr. Katie Samuels provided detailed updates on several key programs. She reported that the BEAR team has completed over 1,200 encounters since January, utilizing "Goldie" software for case management. Dr. Samuels highlighted the team's creative approach, noting an instance where they secured professional hair treatment for a client to improve her quality of life. The committee discussed shifting the third shift to leadership roles and applying for a mobile crisis expansion grant to maintain 24/7 coverage. Regarding the regional Recovery Court, which launched July 1, 2026, updates showed 5 graduates and approximately 17 active participants, with a 61% negative drug screen rate. The committee discussed transitioning reporting to the Goldie system and expanding provider options to improve geographic accessibility. Additionally, the committee reviewed the selection of Holland & Hamrick for architectural services for a new 16-bed Facility-Based Crisis Center, projected to open in September 2028.

Community Input Public comments highlighted a strong desire for integrated, long-term support systems. Victor from Jamie Torres Ministries expressed interest in establishing "Grace Place," an 18-month men’s discipleship and rehab program, requesting connections to transition individuals from county services to his facility. He emphasized that restoring fathers and leaders trickles down to churches, businesses, and schools. Other community members stressed the importance of trust and consistency, with Melinda Hester noting that historical inconsistency from the church has created community leeryness. Katie Olson argued that stigma persists because the recovery community is not seen "giving back" through tangible community investments, such as parks or public spaces. Other speakers advocated for a centralized resource hub, "Recovery Cafés" to provide social spaces for sobriety, and highlighted the willingness of faith-based communities to collaborate on housing and job issues.

Follow-ups and Next Steps Dr. Katie Samuels agreed to email the committee three specific questions regarding the new funding priorities: what funded programs should look like in five years, which outcomes would have the greatest impact, and a ranking of investment areas including Faith Community, Peer Support, Family Support, Recovery Housing, and Prevention. Dr. Samuels also agreed to send a statement detailing what was actually spent in the previous fiscal year, noting that allocated funds do not always equal drawn-down funds. A committee member requested a map comparing foster care numbers before and after the SPARC program’s operation to assess its impact on county dollars; while no specific staff member committed to producing this map, Dr. Samuels indicated she could demonstrate a financial return on investment for the 11 families involved in the future.

Impact on Residents These discussions and decisions directly affect how Burke County utilizes opioid settlement funds to address addiction and recovery needs. By approving the "Letter of Intent" process, the committee has set a framework for distributing $550,000 toward community-based priorities rather than solely treatment services. The operational updates on the BEAR team and Recovery Court provide data on current effectiveness, such as the 61% negative drug screen rate, which informs future resource allocation. The community input received underscores resident demands for visible, long-term recovery infrastructure, including housing and social spaces, which the committee’s new funding priorities aim to address. The follow-up questions on five-year visions and outcome rankings will guide the specific selection of funded programs, ensuring they align with community-identified needs such as peer support and family assistance.