Governor Josh Stein visited Hope Haven, a substance abuse rehabilitation center in Charlotte, on May 18 to highlight how opioid settlement funds are supporting people recovering from opioid addiction and helping prevent fatal overdoses.
The issue is important as North Carolina has been working to address the opioid epidemic, which has affected many individuals and families across the state. The recent decline in overdose deaths marks significant progress for public health efforts.
“Every life we lose to an overdose is one life too many. We’ve made progress working in a bipartisan way to treat addiction here in North Carolina, and I thank organizations like Hope Haven that are doing that work,” said Governor Josh Stein. “At the same time we reduce demand, we must also restrict supply of dangerous, illicit drugs like fentanyl. My budget would support state and local law enforcement and create a Fentanyl Control Unit that would further crack down on drug traffickers so fewer families would suffer these tragic losses.” Anthony T. Jones, President and CEO of Hope Haven, said, “Hope Haven is using opioid settlement funds to build a stronger recovery system in Mecklenburg County — expanding services, saving lives, and ensuring people have real pathways to long-term recovery.” Dr. Kimberly Scott, Interim Public Health Director for Mecklenburg County added: “Mecklenburg County’s opioid settlement programs are helping us respond quickly and strategically to our community’s needs. We are proud of the progress made through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to saving lives. As the work continues to evolve, we remain focused on ensuring every resident has access to timely, equitable, and reliable care and support. Mecklenburg County is also committed to addressing disparities in overdose impacts by expanding treatment, recovery, and prevention efforts where they are needed most. As new substances and trends emerge, we will continue adapting our response to help keep our community safe.”
For nearly five decades Hope Haven has provided residential services for those impacted by substance use disorder or homelessness with evidence-based counseling as well as workforce development programs designed for long-term recovery.
Stein led national efforts as Attorney General resulting in more than $55 billion from settlements with drug manufacturers—nearly $1.5 billion allocated for North Carolina—which has been recognized nationally for transparency with these funds allocation according to the official website.
In January this year he joined Clay County officials highlighting local uses of settlement money such as hiring additional staff at health departments reaching rural populations who may lack access otherwise.
This year saw a sharp 34% drop in overdose deaths—the first such decrease since 2019—according to announcements from NCDHHS referenced by Governor Stein’s office.
Looking ahead his recommended budget proposes expanded medication treatment within correctional institutions; creation of a Fentanyl Control Unit; continued VIPER network funding; threat alerting platforms; plus pay raises for law enforcement—all part of broader strategies executed under his administration which serves all North Carolinians according to the official website.
