Funding Opportunity Coming Soon to Help Address Opioid Misuse
The Wake County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously today to appropriate more than $331,500 received through the McKinsey & Co. Opioid Litigation Settlement to fund local initiatives aimed at preventing and reducing opioid misuse.
Unlike the County’s primary opioid settlement funds, which will provide more than $67 million over 18 years and are governed by a narrower spending framework, the McKinsey settlement dollars offer greater flexibility. This allows Wake County to invest in innovative, evidence-informed strategies that address the opioid crisis at its roots.
“By providing a clear path to recovery, we are empowering our neighbors to reclaim their personal agency and rebuild their lives,” said Vice Chair Safiyah Jackson with the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “To the dedicated heroes on the front lines of behavioral health, these funds represent a renewed promise that you are not alone in this life-saving work alone.”
Ongoing Public Health Challenge
The opioid overdose crisis continues to rank among the most severe public health challenges of our time, and its impact on Wake County has been profound. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shows that between 2011 and 2024, 1,974 lives were lost to overdose in Wake County. In 2024 alone, an estimated 158 residents died from an overdose, marking a 35% decline from 2023.
While this downward trend reflects the success of recent interventions, overdose deaths remain higher than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. These numbers highlight the critical need for sustained investment in prevention and education.
Request for Proposals Coming Soon
Wake County’s Behavioral Health Department plans to release a competitive funding opportunity from the McKinsey & Co. Funds for organizations to propose projects focused on education, prevention and early intervention. Eligible initiatives may include but are not limited to:
Public awareness campaigns
Evidence-based prevention programs
Screening tools to identify youth at risk
Training for healthcare providers
Programs that build emotional regulation and resilience skills
Trainings on recognizing mental health and substance use challenges and connecting individuals to resources
Wake County anticipates making multiple awards through this RFP. The number of awards and individual award amounts will depend on the quality of proposals received, alignment with accepted strategies and availability of funds. Organizations interested in applying can visit wake.gov/opioids to learn more.