Greenville Reporter

Greenville, NC — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., participated in an opioid crisis roundtable discussion with North Carolina leaders and stakeholders. Following the event, he issued a statement emphasizing the importance of addressing the opioid epidemic and implementing strategies to protect communities in Eastern North Carolina.

"I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to discuss the devastating impact of the opioid crisis and strategies to protect our communities here in Eastern North Carolina," said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. "In 2023, 112,000 fatal overdoses occurred in America, and fueling this crisis is the flow of synthetic opioids into our country. These powerful and dangerous drugs are coming from China and flowing into our country through our southern border. We must make sure there are resources available to help those with addiction, and we cripple the ability of illicit drug manufacturers and cartels from bringing it into our country. I appreciate the leadership of Carteret Health Care in tackling this issue and providing a blueprint for other health care providers to replicate."

Pete Gratale, Chairman of Breaking Barriers and CEO of The Recovery Platform, highlighted their efforts: "Our coalition, Breaking Barriers, is committed to helping those struggling with opioid use disorder overcome addiction by providing a transformational approach to treatment – a virtual-based treatment model. We are so thankful for our partners across North Carolina who have helped bring this life-saving treatment model to struggling families, and we look to expand these efforts and initiatives like the Carteret County PORT Program and their amazing results. We continue to be especially grateful to Dr. Murphy, who has worked tirelessly especially for those in America’s veterans community, for his commitment to ensuring access to treatment."

Franklin Walker, VP of the North Carolina Medical Society Foundation, discussed new virtual treatment options: "North Carolina’s veterans, many of whom live in rural communities across our state, simply struggle to access care. New virtual treatment options are now available in these communities following successful pilots conducted with the North Carolina Medical Society Foundation. Dr. Murphy leads on the VA Committee to help drive new treatment options and expand treatment access for our veterans – his leadership is absolutely fundamental to ensuring America’s heroes receive the care they deserve."

Sheriff Asa Buck of Carteret County emphasized local efforts: "Keeping Carteret County families safe starts with helping those struggling with addiction. We are excited to utilize virtual treatment models offered through Project VBOT as a tool to help support those in the criminal justice system return to their communities on a pathway to recovery – a truly transformational approach."

Participants included:

- Peter Gratale (Breaking Barriers & The Recovery Platform)

- Reynold Yordy (The Recovery Platform)

- Keary McClernan (Triad Behavioral Resources)

- Franklin Walker (North Carolina Medical Society Foundation)

- David Reeser (OpiAID)

- Dr. Kerry Willis (Carteret County)

- Dr. Randall Williams (Carteret County Health & Human Services)

- Dr. Clyde Brooks (Carteret Health Care)

- Kyle Marek (Carteret Health Care)

- Sheriff Asa Buck (Carteret County)

- Dr. David Owens (Nexalin Technology)

- Ryan Kane (RK Strategies)

Background information notes that Congress passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act this session. The act aims at continuing substance use disorder treatments by providing workforce training and access to long-term recovery services.

To address rising overdose deaths driven by illicit fentanyl and xylazine, provisions include:

- Permanent coverage of medication-assisted treatment for Medicaid beneficiaries.

- Greater access to over-the-counter opioid reversal medications.

- Coverage of substance use disorder treatments for foster care youth.

- Permanent access for Medicaid beneficiaries' inpatient/residential care by lifting certain exclusions.

- Enhanced funding for state-level prescription drug monitoring programs.

- Placement of xylazine under Schedule III while maintaining its availability for veterinary use.