Deputy director reports 31 overdose deaths so far this year; CNT outlines school and community opioid programs

Dan Flood, deputy director for CNT, delivered the quarterly public-safety and drug-enforcement report, telling the board the office is operating short roughly 9–11 positions and that recruitment is underway for overdose investigators and agents. Flood said the county’s opioid-trailer outreach has reached roughly 150 people at three events and outlined opioid-settlement-funded programs slated for schools.

Flood reported that, as of the meeting, Chatham County had recorded 31 overdose deaths for the year and described ongoing indictments and tactical investigations, including an August grand-jury indictment of Michael Eden on multiple counts related to overdose deaths. He said CNT’s major-case unit is concluding an 18-month investigation and that a detailed press release will follow with specifics of arrests and seizures.

Commissioners thanked CNT staff and noted the need for continued coordination with police and treatment partners; Flood emphasized continuing outreach and family-support programs for overdose victims' relatives.