081817 Opioid ForumAugust 18, 2017—Special Meeting
Forum on Opioid Abuse
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30 a.m. in a duly advertised special
session at AVS Banquet Centre, 2045 North Fayetteville Street, Asheboro, for the Elected
Officials Leadership Forum on Opioid Abuse. Commissioners Allen, Frye, Haywood, Kidd and
McDowell were present. Also present were County Manager Hal Johnson; Finance Officer Will
Massie; Amanda Varner, Clerk to the Board; and Dana Crisco, Deputy Clerk to the Board. Also
present were interested citizens from all over Randolph County; and representatives of State
Government; municipalities; the judicial system; Asheboro, Randolph County, and Uwharrie
Charter School Boards; law enforcement agencies; health and emergency services providers;
Sandhills Mental Health; Juvenile Crime Prevention Council; the North Carolina Association of
County Commissioners; Montgomery County Government; and Randolph County Government.
Chairman Allen opened the meeting and had members of the organizations listed above stand
to show the diversity of the audience. It was estimated that there were 160-170 attendees for the
forum. Mr. Johnson introduced each speaker before their respective presentations. Public
Health Director Susan Hayes explained how Randolph County ranked on opioid abuse compared
to other counties in North Carolina. Cathryn Davis and Claudia Marini gave personal
testimonies from the perspective of a parent. Dr. Pavelock, Evans Blount Health Services, spoke
of the make-up of opioids and how the body and brain reacted to them. Dr. Stopyra, EMS
Medical Director, talked about the effects on Emergency Management. Teresa Gaskins, MSN,
RN, CEN, Assistant Director of the Randolph Health Emergency Department, said that the use
of naloxone to reverse an overdose has increased dramatically in the Emergency Room. Sheriff
Robert Graves explained how addicts will typically end up in jail time and time again from
stealing to support their addiction. Andy Gregson, District Attorney, stressed that while it was
important to understand mental and drug disabilities, this did not lessen the requirement that
those who commit crimes be prosecuted as provided by law. Beth Duncan, Social Services
Director, spoke of the effects of addiction and how children are removed from homes because of
it. Dr. Stephen Gainey, Superintendent of Randolph County Schools, showed different programs
that were being used in the schools to educate students and staff on the signs and dangers of
addiction. Ashley Duggins, Pharmacist and Owner of Prevo Drug, outlined the new system
implemented at the state level to monitor writing and dispensing of opioids. Chase Holloman
presented his viewpoint of addiction as a former addict.
Commissioner Kidd exited the meeting at 10:30 a.m. and Commissioner Haywood exited the
meeting at 11:05 a.m.
After the final presentation, Chairman Allen asked the Commissioners to consider
entertaining a motion to establish an Opioid Collaborative Council and direct the County
Manager and Public Health Director to recommend citizens for the council to be considered by
the Commissioners at a later meeting.
On motion by Frye, seconded by McDowell, the Commissioners voted 3-0 to establish an
Opioid Collaborative Council and direct the County Manager and Public Health Director to
recommend citizens for the council to be considered by the Commissioners at a later meeting.
Adjournment
At 11:45 a.m., the meeting adjourned.
David L. Allen, Chairman Darrell Frye
Stan Haywood
Maxton McDowell
Kenny Kidd
Dana Crisco, Deputy Clerk to the Board