Bringing Collaboration and Care to the Opioid Crisis

As the opioid crisis continues in communities across the country, Mecklenburg County leaders worked to create a comprehensive gathering designed to address the multifaceted challenges of the crisis. Breaking Barriers: Compassionate Care and Community Engagement in the Opioid Crisis Conference took place on Sept. 15, 2025 at the Charlotte Convention Center. The event provided a platform for partners to improve the coordination of care as well as address gaps in care.

Earlier this week Mecklenburg County co-hosted the Breaking Barriers: Compassionate Care and Community Engagement in the Opioid Crisis Conference, with the Substance Use Disorder Task Force. The conference brought together more than 200 public health leaders, justice advocates, behavioral health professionals and community members to address the multifaceted challenges of the crisis.

At the event, County leaders discussed three new initiatives supported by Opioid Settlement funding including:

  • MAT in Detention: For the first time, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) induction will be offered inside the Mecklenburg County Detention Center — supporting individuals during incarceration and ensuring continuity of care after release.  
  • Post-Overdose Response Team: A new multidisciplinary team — including EMS, hospitals, peer support, public health, and community partners — will respond within 72 hours of an overdose, offering naloxone, emotional support, and direct pathways to treatment.
  • Reentry Program Development: A dedicated initiative will connect returning citizens with opioid use histories to care, peer support, and stabilization services.  

“By initiating MAT in custody, responding rapidly to overdoses, and bridging care during reentry, we’re not just treating addiction — we’re disrupting the cycle of incarceration and overdose,” said Marcus Boyd, program manager for the opioid settlement. “We identified the need for these programs based largely on feedback from stakeholder groups, community citizens, and those with lived experiences who identified this as a major gap in our community.”

The event also featured speakers and breakout sessions with several national and local experts to explore inclusive strategies for care, prevention, and healing that reflect the diverse voices and strengths of our community.  

The occasion reinforces the County’s commitment to transparency, equity, and shared leadership in how settlement funds are invested.  

View pictures from the event.