Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee

The Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee was established by the Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) in June 2025. The advisory committee serves to review and recommend funding proposals and strategic initiatives to the BOCC that align with the requirements of the Opioid Settlement's Memorandum of Agreement Between the State of North Carolina and Local Governments on Proceeds Relating to the Settlement of Opioid Litigation (hereinafter “MOA”). Through this process, the committee helps inform funding priorities, assess program effectiveness, and ensure decisions are grounded in community needs and evidence-based strategies. The committee reviews proposed programs and strategies and makes formal recommendations to the BOCC that align with the requirements of the Opioid Settlement MOA. The committee also promotes community engagement and supports informed, collaborative approaches to addressing the opioid crisis.

The committee shall establish bylaws within the parameters established by this Resolution and applicable Durham County policies and shall serve as a resource for providing perspectives on funding priorities. Decisions concerning the allocation and application of opioid settlement funds shall remain under the sole authority of the Durham BOCC, in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The BOCC shall receive periodic reports from the advisory committee and the Opioid Settlement Program Manager regarding recommendations for funding priorities and the progress and impact of previously funded initiatives to ensure ongoing alignment with the MOA requirements, community needs, and best practices.

Members shall serve a two-year term, may be reappointed for up to two consecutive terms, and shall comply with all applicable Durham County ethics policies and procedures for citizen appointments. The committee shall be comprised of one representative to be appointed by the BOCC from each of the following, as defined by Exhibit C of the MOA:
 * 1 local government official (representing public health, social services, and emergency services);
 * 1 healthcare provider;
 * 1 social service provider;
 * 1 law enforcement representative;
 * 1 education and employment service representative;
 * 1 individual with lived experience with opioid use disorder;
 * 1 healthcare payer or funder;
 * 1 employer and business leader representative;
 * 1 community-based organization representative; and
 * 1 individual who is representative of a diverse community (e.g., person of color, Native American, member of the LGBTQ community, etc.)