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Opioid Settlement Fund Strategic Plan Update Survey

Opioid Settlement Fund Strategic Plan Update Survey

Take this 10‑minute survey to share your thoughts on how Buncombe County should use future opioid settlement funds.

Overview:

Buncombe County will receive more than $30 million in opioid settlement funds from 2022 to 2039 to help prevent overdoses, support treatment and recovery, and provide services that keep people safe.  

In 2023, the County created a strategic plan based on community feedback to guide how these funds should be used. Since then, the funds have supported: 

  • Post-overdose Response Teams that visit people after an overdose.

  • Medications that help people reduce or stop opioid use.

  • Outreach in communities with more barriers.

  • Safety supplies like Narcan, test strips, and safe disposal options.

  • Peer Support Specialists to help people navigate recovery.

  • Reentry help for people leaving jail.

Almost four years later, the County is updating the plan for 2027 to 2030. Your feedback will help us understand what is working and what still needs attention. Visit the Opioid Settlement Fund Engage page to learn more about the work done so far. 

Survey Details:  

  • This survey will take about 10 minutes.

  • All responses are voluntary. You can skip any question.

  • We will not collect your name or any personal information, unless you choose to share it. We will only ask about your general location, age range, and race/ethnicity. 

  • Your answers will be combined with others. Individual responses will not be shared.

  • The County will use the survey results to help guide future Opioid Settlement Fund spending.

  • Your answers may be shared if required by North Carolina Public Records Law. 

If you have questions or concerns about the survey, please email Behavioral Health Manager Victoria Reichard at victoria.reichard@buncombenc.gov.

How would you describe your experience with drugs or alcohol use?

Select all that apply.

I have used drugs or alcohol in ways that caused problems for me in the past.
I am currently using drugs or alcohol in ways that cause problems for me.
I am the family member or loved one of someone who used or uses drugs or alcohol in a way that caused problems.
I work or volunteer with people who use drugs or alcohol.
None of the above
Closed to responses

Since 2023, what improvements have you seen in Buncombe County related to drug or alcohol use?

Select all the apply.

Lower risk of overdose or death
Easier access to overdose-reversal tools, like Narcan
More tools to help people stay safe, like clean needles, alcohol pads, testing strips, or safe disposal bins
Easier access to treatment for substance use or mental health
Better access to medicines that help with opioid use
More support from peers or support groups
Improved access to housing for people in recovery
More support for people coming home after jail or prison
More help reaching communities that face extra barriers
Other
Closed to responses

What do you think are the biggest problems people in Buncombe County face when trying to get help for drug or alcohol use?

Select up to 5.

I’m not sure – I don’t have enough experience to answer this question
Hard to find or understand information about services
Long wait times or not enough openings
Services don't fit people's needs (times, location, or language)
Cost or lack of insurance makes it hard to get care
Travel or daily needs make it hard to get help (transportation, childcare, work, housing)
Hard to meet rules or paperwork requirements
People feel judged or not welcomed
Rules about past criminal records make it hard to get help
People feel alone or can't find support from others who understand
Other
Closed to responses

Where do you think opioid settlement funds will make the biggest difference over the next three to five years?

Select up to 5.

Planning and Coordination - Help local groups work together so people can get care without barriers
Medications for Opioid Use - Help people get medicines that treat opioid use
Recovery Support – Support programs that help people find and get started with services
Recovery Housing - Provide safe places to live for people in recovery
Jobs and Education – More help to get people ready for jobs and find work
Help for Young People – Support programs that help young people stay healthy
Naloxone/Overdose Reversal - Get Narcan into as many hands as possible to stop overdoses
Post-Overdose Support - More support for Post-Overdose Response Teams
Harm Reduction Tools - Provide safer use supplies like test strips, clean syringes, and safe disposal kits
Diversion Programs – Connect people to treatment instead of sending them to jail for some charges
Treatment in Jail - Better addiction treatment for people in jail or prison
Reentry Support - Help people leaving jail or prison connect to care, housing, and jobs
Closed to responses

Is there anything else you want to share about how the County should use the Opioid Settlement Fund?

Please write your thoughts below.

Closed for Comments

Please select the option that best describes where you live.

Alexander
Arden
Barnardsville
Candler
City of Asheville
Fairview
Fletcher
Leicester
Ridgecrest
Swannanoa
Town of Biltmore Forest
Town of Black Mountain
Town of Montreat
Town of Weaverville
Town of Woodfin
Outside Buncombe County
Buncombe County - Other
Closed to responses

What is your age?

Under 18
18-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
66-75
Over 75
Prefer not to answer
Closed to responses

What is your race/ethnicity?

White
Black or African-American
Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish
Asian
American Indian or Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
Other
I prefer not to answer
Closed to responses