NEWLAND, N.C. – The Avery County Board of Commissioners has approved the allocation of $215,000 from the county’s national opioid settlement funds to support six local non-profit organizations working to strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts across the community. These funds, awarded for the FY2025–2026 grant cycle (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026), represent a significant investment in addressing the opioid epidemic and improving overall community health and well-being. As part of a series of national opioid litigation settlements and bankruptcy resolutions, Avery County is set to receive $3.2 million through 2038. These funds stem from agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and related parties, including Johnson & Johnson, Purdue Pharma, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Allergan, and others. Avery County has adopted a strategic, multi-year approach to deploying these funds, following the guidelines outlined in the North Carolina Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and prioritizing initiatives focused on prevention, recovery, and community resilience. Funding decisions were guided by a seven-member Avery County Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee, a panel of subject-matter experts and community leaders tasked with reviewing proposals and scoring applications based on project impact, implementation readiness, and evidence-based strategies. Members of the committee include representatives from county leadership, law enforcement, schools, healthcare, the district attorney’s office, and the Avery County Drug Crisis Roundtable. Each proposal was scored based on project description, implementation plan, evidence-based practices, results evaluation, and collaboration with community partners, ensuring funding was allocated to programs with the greatest potential impact. The six organizations receiving funding for the FY2025–2026 cycle include Freedom Life Avery, High Country Community Health, Marjorie Williams Academy, Mediation and Restorative Justice Center, Broken Wheel Ministries, and Western Youth Network. Each of these organizations demonstrated a strong capacity to deliver services, address community needs, and work collaboratively to strengthen local responses to the ongoing opioid crisis. “These funds represent a critical step forward in building a healthier, more resilient Avery County,” said Phillip Barrier, Avery County Manager. “By strategically partnering with local organizations and focusing on prevention, education, treatment, and recovery, we’re creating a multi-year approach to addressing the opioid epidemic and its ripple effects throughout our community.” For a complete breakdown of Avery County’s opioid settlement strategies and funding allocations, visit the CORE NC website at https://ncopioidsettlement.org. About LiveWell Avery: LiveWell Avery is a community-driven initiative launched by Avery County Government to connect residents with essential health and wellness resources. The program fosters collaboration among local organizations, empowering individuals with the knowledge and support needed to lead healthier lives. Through education, outreach, and partnerships, LiveWell Avery promotes accessibility to programs that enhance physical, mental, and community well-being. By uniting key stakeholders, the initiative aims to create a stronger, healthier, and more connected Avery County