Assessing the use of opioid settlement funds in New Hanover County

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — An annual meeting held at the New Hanover County Government Center highlighted the ongoing impact of funding from the National Opioid Settlement. Over the next 18 years, New Hanover County will receive more than $18 million to address opioid addiction and related issues.

Representatives from local organizations in New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington shared their plans for utilizing these funds and provided updates on their progress. The focus of the meeting was on how the funds are supporting substance abuse services and improving outcomes for the community.

Debbie Leggett, a representative of “The Tides” Recovery Program, announced a new housing initiative for mothers that is being funded by the settlement.

“Participants in The Tides program are women who are either in unsafe housing, experiencing homelessness, or living in unsafe conditions. Now, we are really able to help these women secure an apartment, stay in their apartment, and if they hit a bump in the road, we can help them get back on track,” Leggett explained.

Leggett shared that, thanks to the funding, seven women are currently receiving monthly rent payments as part of the initiative.