Background/Purpose of Request:
Brunswick County statistics for opioid-related abuse are among the highest in North Carolina and the nation. The health and safety of the community as a whole suffers damage from opioid-related addiction, abuse, overdose, and crime. Further, because of the opioid crisis, local governments like Brunswick County face numerous increased and unanticipated costs, such as for law enforcement, paramedics, medical treatment, court services and social service programs.
The opioid crisis in Brunswick County constitutes a public nuisance which the County is authorized by law to take measures to abate. Adoption of this resolution declares the opioid crisis to be a public nuisance and authorizes County staff to pursue measures to abate the nuisance, including retention of legal counsel to seek damages and cost recovery from those manufacturers and distributors who have improperly flooded the local market with opioids in violation of federal and state laws. | | |