Opioid settlement funds background:
Opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. have dramatically increased, with 93,000 deaths in 2020 alone. For years, state and local governments have pursued legal action against companies responsible for fueling the opioid crisis, aiming to hold them accountable, improve pharmaceutical practices, and secure funds to combat the epidemic.
After extensive negotiations led by Attorney General Josh Stein, two nationwide settlement agreements have been finalized to resolve all opioid litigation against three major drug distributors (McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen) and one manufacturer (Janssen Pharmaceuticals and its parent company Johnson & Johnson). These settlements, totaling $26 billion over 18 years, allocate about $22.7 billion to state and local governments for opioid epidemic programs and include measures to prevent future opioid misuse.
North Carolina, including all 100 counties and 47 municipalities, has fully joined these settlements, ensuring they receive their entire share of the national funds, amounting to $750 million. These funds are distributed according to the North Carolina Memorandum of Agreement on opioid settlement fund usage, with the first payments received on May 31, 2022.
The agreements include $26 billion in payments, with over $23.9 billion available to fund crisis mitigation efforts. Funds are distributed to states per an allocation agreement, and participation requires state involvement. States and local governments must use the funds for various strategies to combat the opioid crisis.
For more information on opioid settlement funds as well as the data dashboard please refer to the following link: https://ncopioidsettlement.org/
Current Funding Opportunities:
Applications are now being accepted for Opioid Settlement Fund support through the County’s online application portal.
Application Opens: February 9, 2026
Application Closes: March 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM (ET)
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Funding is intended to support eligible programs and services aligned with the County’s opioid response strategies.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the full Request for Proposals (RFP) prior to submitting an application.
Questions regarding this application may be submitted by email to:
opioidgrants@mcdowellgov.com
Click the APPLY button below to begin the application.
Download the RFP (PDF) for detailed eligibility, requirements, and evaluation criteria.
Below are the following partners who were selected to receive funding this fiscal year:
FAQ:
Can I submit more than one application for my agency?
Only one application per organization will be accepted at this time.
Can I apply again if I received prior funding?
Yes, those who previously applied or received funding are still eligible to apply for this round of funding.
When can I expect a response to my application?
You will receive an automated response once the application has been submitted to verify that it was received. Announcements for those chosen to receive funding will be sent by December 15, 2024.
Who can be funded?
Non-profit organizations, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and local government agencies are all encouraged to apply.
Where can I find more information regarding MOA and option A?
More information can be found at https://ncopioidsettlement.org/strategy-resources/
Where can I find more information about what McDowell County has already funded?
Information regarding disbursement and use of funding per county can be found HERE.
For more specific information regarding spending plans per county please click on the data dashboards tab and look under local spending plans.
Additional Questions?
If you have questions or are unsure if you should start the application process, please contact us by emailing tgreer@mcdowellems.com
