Is Governor Stein Hiding Shocking New Safety Plans for North Carolinians? Find Out What’s at Stake!

In a significant initiative to combat the opioid crisis, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein emphasized the state’s ongoing efforts to build a safer and healthier community during a visit to Clay County today. Joined by local officials, Stein held a roundtable discussion on the impactful use of opioid settlement funds, which he secured during his time as Attorney General. This funding is being directed towards enhancing treatment and recovery services for those affected by addiction.

“An average of six North Carolinians die every day from fentanyl overdoses, and that’s six lives too many,” Stein stated. He underscored the urgency of the opioid epidemic, declaring, “As Attorney General, I held accountable the drug companies responsible for the scourge of opioid addiction, and it’s exciting to see how programs funded by that money are helping make meaningful progress. But the opioid epidemic is still raging, and there is a long way to go. I will never let up in the fight to help more people live healthy, happy lives free of addiction, and that is why I will continue to advocate for improvements to behavioral health care in North Carolina.”

Under Stein’s leadership, the North Carolina Department of Justice spearheaded negotiations that led to over $50 billion in national opioid settlements with major pharmaceutical companies involved in the opioid crisis. Clay County, specifically, has received more than $2.7 million in settlement funds aimed at addressing local needs related to addiction treatment, reentry, and recovery support services. The state has gained national recognition for its transparency and accountability in the allocation of these funds.

To improve access to recovery support, Clay County has allocated funds to hire a peer support specialist at the local health department and to acquire a vehicle that will help reach residents in rural areas who might otherwise struggle to access these essential services.

Support for Law Enforcement

Later in the day, Governor Stein attended the 50th Annual Training Conference of the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police in Cherokee. There, he expressed gratitude to law enforcement leaders for their dedication and service during these challenging times. He highlighted the necessity of investing in behavioral health services that keep communities safe. The Governor's proposed $195 million public safety package aims to raise starting salaries for law enforcement officers and offer recruitment and retention bonuses to tackle staffing shortages across the state.

“Law enforcement officers run toward danger when others may flee. Their work is demanding, dangerous, and too often underappreciated,” Stein remarked. “North Carolina is safer when law enforcement officers are given the training, resources, and support they need to do their jobs effectively. I continue to call on the General Assembly to pass a comprehensive public safety package that raises law enforcement salaries and helps keep people safe across North Carolina.”

In a move to bolster public safety, Governor Stein also announced last week that North Carolina’s law enforcement officers will benefit from enhanced training and resources aimed at addressing the risks posed by unmanned drones, following the passage of the Safer Skies Act by Congress.

Stein’s public safety proposal not only focuses on salary increases for state law enforcement officers but also allocates funding for hiring bonuses for new officers or those relocating from other states. He persistently urges the General Assembly to pass a comprehensive public safety package that adequately addresses law enforcement staffing shortages while also investing in the state’s mental and behavioral health system.

The actions taken by Governor Stein reflect a commitment to not only tackle the opioid crisis but also to ensure that law enforcement officers have the necessary support and resources to maintain safety in North Carolina communities. As the state continues to navigate these complex challenges, the importance of collaborative efforts among local officials, law enforcement, and healthcare providers remains paramount.