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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: October 15, 2019 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-g <br /> SUBJECT: Support for Orange County Opioid Task Force <br /> DEPARTMENT: Health <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Orange County Health Department - <br /> UNC Medical Center County Opioid Quintana Stewart, 919-245-2412 <br /> Task Force <br /> PURPOSE: To approve expressing support for an Opioid Task Force to coordinate efforts to <br /> address opioid overdose in Orange County and will be facilitated jointly by the Orange County <br /> Health Department and the UNC Medical Center. <br /> BACKGROUND: In April 2018 a planning group with representatives from several County <br /> Departments and community partners hosted "Bringing it Home — A County Conversation on the <br /> Opioid Epidemic." This half day meeting created a space for an in depth discussion about <br /> Opioid use across the State and locally in Orange County. Presentations were given from NC <br /> Department of Health & Human Services, NC Emergency Services and the NC Justice <br /> Department. Attendees also heard about opioid response efforts from Orange County Sherriff's <br /> Office, Emergency Medical Services, Health Department, Department of Social Services, <br /> Justice System and a local treatment facility, Freedom House. <br /> Roughly a year later, many of the original planning team members would like to continue to work <br /> on the local opioid crisis response. The Health Department and UNC Medical Center would like <br /> to partner to further coordinate efforts to address opioid use disorder (OUD) and substance use <br /> disorder (SUD) in Orange County. The task force has identified three (3) priority areas to initially <br /> address: 1) Education; 2) Reduce oversupply of prescription opioids; and 3) Expand treatment <br /> and recovery oriented systems of care. These priorities align with the NC Opioid State Action <br /> Plan. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to <br /> this item: <br /> • FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUITY <br /> The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; <br /> religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or <br /> ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic <br /> status. <br />