Cabarrus celebrating launch of CORE initiative
Published on August 20, 2025
Cabarrus County will launch Cabarrus CORE (Collaborative Opioid Recovery and Education) with a free community event on Thursday, Aug. 28. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 6 p.m.
The event is at the Library and Active Living Center at Afton Ridge and aims to educate the public on the services and programs funded through opioid settlement funds. The event itself is paid for through those funds.
CORE is a new, community-driven initiative dedicated to opioid prevention, education and recovery. It brings together organizations from across the county, including Cabarrus County Government, Cabarrus Health Alliance, Adult & Teen Challenge, Cabarrus EMS, Bridge to Recovery, Southeastern Recovery Center, Cabarrus County Schools and the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office.
Funded through the national opioid settlement, the program focuses on transparency, accountability and collaboration to ensure the settlement dollars directly support residents, families and providers most impacted by the opioid crisis.
“This is about connecting people to the resources and programs they need,” says Cabarrus Opioid Project Manager Virginia Fagg. “Cabarrus CORE is part of a larger state effort, but it’s built specifically for our community.”
Through 2038, Cabarrus County is slated to receive nearly $23 million in settlement funding. CORE will ensure those resources are invested in evidence-based strategies that strengthen recovery and build a healthier, safer community.
The launch celebration will feature:
- Entertainment, including BINGO with Bingo—an Aussiedoodle therapy dog trained (through settlement funds) to support EMS workers facing secondary trauma from opioid overdose calls
- Hands-on exploration of Cabarrus EMS vehicles
- A chance to meet the leaders and partners behind this life-changing work
- Special guest speaker Robin Hayes, former U.S. Congressman representing North Carolina’s 8th District and Founder of Bridge to 100
Come out August 28 for an inspiring evening of connection, collaboration and hope.
For more information, contact the Cabarrus County Opioid Settlement team at osf@cabarruscounty.us.