The Moore County Board of Commissioners convened on September 17, 2024, with a focus on pressing community issues, particularly the opioid crisis and early childhood education. The meeting began with an invocation led by Reverend Archie Stevens, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

During the public comment period, Karen Wicker, an educator and advocate for families affected by addiction, highlighted the ongoing opioid epidemic in Moore County. Wicker, representing the Anonymous Moms Project, shared her personal experience with addiction in her family and emphasized the need for increased resources and support for those struggling with substance use disorders. She noted that approximately $640,000 from opioid settlement funds has been allocated to local organizations, with an additional $3.3 million still available. Wicker urged the board to expedite the distribution of these funds to address the urgent needs within the community.

Wicker proposed several recommendations, including expanding the Moore County Opioid Settlement Task Force to include diverse voices from the recovery community, increasing public engagement in meetings, establishing a local detox facility, and implementing evidence-based prevention programs for youth. She also called for the establishment of a drug court in Moore County, which currently lacks this critical resource.

John Mziat, another speaker, addressed the board regarding early childhood education, pointing out that Moore County has the lowest enrollment of eligible four-year-olds in pre-K programs in North Carolina, with only 16% currently enrolled. He referenced a report included in the board's meeting package that highlighted the importance of pre-K education for long-term academic success and urged the commissioners to advocate for increased enrollment and resources for early childhood education.

The discussions underscored the board's commitment to addressing significant community challenges, with a particular focus on the intersection of substance use recovery and educational opportunities for children.