County seeks input on opioid funds
Residents can help set funding priorities
SALISBURY — Rowan County Public Health, in partnership with Centralina Regional Council, is inviting community members to participate in a series of focus groups to help shape the future use of opioid settlement funds in Rowan County.
Community feedback is a critical component of Rowan County's Opioid Settlement Collaborative Strategic Planning Process. During the focus groups, participants will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Rowan County and help identify practical strategies for addressing them.
The focus groups build upon insights already received through a countywide survey, which generated more than 350 responses. Feedback gathered from the survey, stakeholder interviews, and these focus groups will directly inform the development of Rowan County's Opioid Settlement Strategic Plan and guide future funding priorities.
We want participants to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. Information collected during the focus groups will be used for planning purposes only and will not be linked to individual participants.
"We want to hear directly from community members about what they believe is needed most in Rowan County," said Alyssa Harris, Public Health director. "These conversations will help ensure that opioid settlement funds are used in ways that reflect local needs and create a meaningful and lasting impact."
Community members may register for one of the following focus groups:
■ Nov. 4 from 6-7:30 p.m. – Rowan Community Center (1959 Jake Alexander Blvd. W., Salisbury, NC 28147)
■ Nov. 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. – Spencer Town Hall (460 South Salisbury Ave., Spencer, NC 28159)
■ Nov. 9 from 9-10:30 a.m. – RuftyHolmes Senior Center (1120 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. S., Salisbury, NC 28144)
■ Nov. 13 from 6-7:30 p.m. – Main Street Marketplace and Meeting Place (306 South Main St. in China Grove, NC 28023)
Participation is open to all Rowan County residents and community stakeholders, including individuals with lived experience related to substance use and family members affected by substance use.
To foster meaningful discussion and engagement, all focus groups will be held in person, and no virtual participation option will be offered. Registration is required prior to attendance, and community members are encouraged to register early to secure their preferred session.
Registration link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCPHOpioidInput.
About the Strategic Planning Process
Rowan County Public Health is partnering with Centralina Regional Council to develop a collaborative strategic plan that will guide future opioid settlement funding decisions.
The planning process gathers comprehensive feedback from the community through a community-wide survey, multiple stakeholder interviews, and a series of community focus groups. The Leadership Team, comprised of Board of Health approved local officials, service providers, and other community leaders with expertise and involvement in substance use prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction related services, will use this feedback to identify priorities and develop recommendations that will guide Rowan County's Opioid Settlement Strategic Plan and future funding decisions. This multi-stage planning process will ensure that the final funding recommendations presented to the Board of Commissioners are informed by community voices, local expertise, and reflect evidence-based strategies.
For more information or questions, contact Hayley Edwards, Substance Use and Mental Health Program Manager, at Hayley. edwards@rowancountync.gov or call 704-216-8884.
