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Burke County moving in the right direction on opioids

The Paper’s Columnists

Burke County moving in the right direction on opioids

By JOHNNIE CARSWELL FOR THE PAPER
Sep 26, 2026

Burke County is not yet “winning” the opioid epidemic if winning means the crisis is over, families are no longer burying loved ones, and emergency responders are no longer answering overdose calls. But if “winning” means building a serious, coordinated, evidence-based response after years of devastation, then Burke County is finally moving in the right direction.

Opioid Settlement Coordinator: Samuels excited to be back with Burke

Burke County, NC news

Opioid Settlement Coordinator: Samuels excited to be back with Burke

By MARTY QUEEN marty@thepaper.media
May 1, 2025

A familiar face, Dr. Katie Varnadoe Samuels, is back in Burke County as the new Opioid Settlement Coordinator, the county announced this week. Samuels, a Burke native, previously served as the county’s director of behavioral health for 18 months before leaving the position last November.

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Burke County moving in the right direction on opioids

Opioid Settlement Coordinator: Samuels excited to be back with Burke

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Burke County moving in the right direction on opioids

Opioid Settlement Coordinator: Samuels excited to be back with Burke

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