New opioid settlement funds slated to boost harm reduction, treatment programs in Forsyth

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will soon vote on how to allocate another round of funding from North Carolina’s sweeping settlement with opioid manufacturers.

This year, the county plans to distribute about $4.5 million. The largest proposed share — almost $500,000 — would go to Twin City Harm Reduction Collective. The group provides clean syringes, naloxone, and connections to recovery services for people with opioid use disorder.

Other proposed recipients include medication-assisted treatment providers and peer-support programs. 

The county first began distributing money from the settlement in 2023. At Monday’s meeting, Commission Chair Don Martin asked for more information about the impact of those funds.  

“We need to be showing improvements," he said. "I mean, that's really kind of critical at this point.”

Staff members agreed to share a report detailing outcomes. The full board is set to vote on the new round of funding on Thursday.