These case studies were developed by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Opioid Settlements Technical Assistance Team (OSTAT) with the help of local governments planning for and implementing high-impact opioid abatement strategies in North Carolina. The case studies are designed to promote peer learning about successful practices when investing opioid settlement funds to save lives and create healthier communities. Each case study focuses on one strategy from Exhibit A of the NC Memorandum of Agreement and shares lessons learned, recommendations for implementation, and related resources. Featured strategies include Collaborative Strategic Planning, Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment, Recovery Support Services, Naloxone Distribution, and Post-Overdose Response Teams.
Collaborative Strategic Planning
“Many local governments found that planning for and coordinating the use of opioid settlement funds was a priority for their communities to avoid duplication of efforts and identify gaps in services. Having skilled staff dedicated to organizing the process helped communities maintain momentum…” Read the case study on Collaborative Strategic Planning.
Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment
“Expanding the provision of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) through the local clinic was seen as a natural next step in improving services for people with opioid use disorder. This was especially true because of the longstanding relationships between the major local healthcare provider, the county, community organizations, and other service providers...” Read the case study on Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment.
Recovery Support Services
“Local governments noted several factors that helped them with designing and implementing Recovery Support Services. One of those factors is providing a variety of flexible services with compassion and empathy…” Read the case study on Recovery Support Services.
Naloxone Distribution
“A reduction in the number of fatal overdoses has been identified as an urgent goal. Because elected officials and other community members understand naloxone’s effectiveness in saving lives, there has been relatively quick buy-in for and prioritization of Naloxone Distribution for rapid implementation…” Read the case study on Naloxone Distribution.
Post-Overdose Response Teams
“Peer support specialists are extremely valuable partners, especially in their ability to work alongside clinicians and case managers to connect people to services…” Read the case study on Post-Overdose Response Teams.
