General Support Resources

Below are resources compiled to help local governments better understand the opioid settlements and select appropriate strategies for their community.



Complete List of Resources

The following resources have been compiled by the NC Department of Health and Human Services to help local governments.
The resources below are organized by level.

Jump to: Introductory Resources | Intermediate Resources Advanced Resources

Introductory Resources

NC Association of County Commissioners Webinar

A webinar that provides an overview of the opioid settlement, the NC MOA, and available resources

NC Opioid and Substance Use Action Plan Data Dashboard

See what your county is already implementing to respond to the opioid crisis

Local Health Departments

Reach out to your local health department

Meaningful Involvement of People who Use Drugs

Explore the history, benefits, and best practices of the meaningful involve of people who use drugs – from AIDS United

Harm Reduction in North Carolina

A 40-minute documentary that highlights efforts to reduce harm surrounding substance use

Collection of Harm Reduction Webinars 

A collection of on-demand webinars, videos, and podcasts covering harm reduction topics

SAMHSA Harm Reduction Framework

A comprehensive framework that covers the pillars and principles of harm reduction

Intermediate Resources

Overdose Prevention Technical Assistance

View a 2-page Overdose Prevention Technical Assistance Guide from the NC Injury and Violence Prevention Branch

More Powerful NC

An initative that provides resources, support, and facts about the opioid crisis in North Carolina

Menu of Local Actions

Tangible suggestions of actions to take to address the opioid crisis in your area

Evidence-Based Strategies for Preventing Opioid Overdose: What’s Working in the United States

CDC document to assist in understanding and navigating effective strategies to prevent opioid overdose

Menu of Harm Reduction Resources

A comprehensive menu of harm reduction-related resources

Cultural Humility

A 30-minute documentary that explains what “cultural humility” is and why we need it

Quick Guide to Conducting a Needs Assessment

This NACo resource describes the basics of conducting a needs assessment at the county-level with relevant case examples

Advanced Resources

Key Recommendations for Community-Based Overdose Prevention Programs

1-page overview of the top suggestions for successful programs from Local Health Departments

Qualitative Study of Local Health Department Programs to Prevent Opioid Overdose

Summary of study findings, including features that facilitate effective planning and challenges to implementation

Best Practices for Harm Reduction Workers

2-page list of best practices for working with clients who use drugs and best practices for harm reduction works

Health Equity Guiding Principles for Inclusive Communication

CDC online resource to help public health professionals address all people inclusively and respectfully

Opioid Settlement Funding: Support for Maximum Impact

Tools and methods to assist local leaders with selecting strategies to implement, provided by MAHEC

Criminalization and Experience of Violence: Practitioner’s Guide for Preventing Further Harm 

2-pages of recommendations for providers who work with people who experience interpersonal and structural violence related to drug use and other factors

Tips for Working with People Who Use Drugs – in the Pandemic Era and Beyond

A 3-page document from the Center for Innovation and Engagement that covers best practices for working with people who use drugs during COVID-19 and beyond

Department of Justice Guidance on Protections for People with Opioid Use Disorder

An 8-page overview of the protections provided to people with opioid use disorder by the Americans with Disabilities Act

A circle graphic with an envelope image inside

For more information or general support inquiries, contact opioidsettlement@dhhs.nc.gov or opioidsettlement@ncacc.org