Andrews – Free treatment and recovery support are now available in Cherokee County, funded by proceeds from class-action lawsuits against the drug industry for its part in the opioid epidemic.
ICGH (Integrated Care of Greater Hickory) Treatment Centers has opened a location at ICGH Andrews, 132B Main St. in West End Plaza.
The new local center offers free treatment and recovery support for people struggling with opioids, methamphetamine, alcohol and other substances.
“You do NOT need insurance and you do NOT need money to get help,” the center advertises on its Facebook page. “Cherokee County residents now have access to a full network of FREE services funded through the Opioid Settlement.”
The center offers peer support, counseling and recovery services, medication treatment, transportation support, recovery housing placement, and mobile and community based services – all at no cost for clients.
“If you or someone you love needs help – reach out.
No insurance. No cost. No judgment. Just support funded 100% by Cherokee County Government,” according to the service.
Opioid settlement proceeds at work
Cherokee County is part of a regional effort to utilize funds from national opioid settlements to combat the addiction crisis. As part of “Region A” (which includes seven western North Carolina counties), Cherokee County is involved in a collaborative strategy to deploy millions of dollars over an 18-year period to support addiction treatment, recovery and prevention.
Cherokee County was awarded $9.45 million from the settlement to be paid over 17 years and has already received more than $2.8 million from the settlement over the past three fiscal years. Another $760,000 due to the county this fiscal year and additional recurring payments until fiscal year 2038-39.
The funds originate from national settlements with major opioid distributors (Cardinal, McKesson, AmerisourceBergen), manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and retail pharmacy chains (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart). In North Carolina, 85% of these funds are directed to local governments for abatement, while 15% goes to the state.
North Carolina is set to receive $1.5 billion from a $56 billion national opioid settlement. This funding aims to provide crucial relief to communities deeply affected by the opioid crisis. The allocated funds will be directed toward supporting essential initiatives such as treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and other life-saving programs and services across the state.
Cherokee County’s plan
In a resolution passed by the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners in April 2025, the county spelled out a three-part strategy using ICGH as a service provider:
- Increase access and adherence to evidence-based addiction treatment. This $98,700 allocation pays ICGH through June 30 to provide addiction treatment.
- Expand access to peer support specialist and other recovery support services. This is a $177,628 allocation through June 30.
- Recovery-focused housing support. This is a $62,400 allocation aimed at funding transitional housing for three individuals for one year.
Details: Call 828-322-5915 and visit ICGH on Facebook.