Sen. Thom Tillis, Congressman Greg Murphy show support for Project VBOT
Triad Behavioral Resources, The Recovery Platform, iPill, OpiAID, Select Lab Partners, and Nexalin all join as VBOT Treatment Partners
The North Carolina Medical Society developed Project VBOT was showcased Wednesday at a meeting that brought together leaders from the world of technology, healthcare, law enforcement, and NC government. NCMS Vice President of Solutions Franklin Walker was on hand to talk about how the Virtual-Based Opioid Treatment (VBOT) program can help communities fight the opioid crisis.
It was a chance to also introduce the VBOT Treatment Partners
Project VBOT is supported by US Senator Thom Tillis and NCMS member Congressman Greg Murphy. Of the roundtable discussion, Congressman Murphy said:
“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to discuss the devastating impact of the opioid crisis and strategies to protect our communities here in Eastern North Carolina,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. “In 2023, 112,000 fatal overdoses occurred in America, and fueling this crisis is the flow of synthetic opioids into our country. These powerful and dangerous drugs are coming from China and flowing into our country through our southern border. We must make sure there are resources available to help those with addiction, and we cripple the ability of illicit drug manufacturers and cartels from bringing it into our country. I appreciate the leadership of Carteret Health Care in tackling this issue and providing a blueprint for other health care providers to replicate.”
“Our coalition, Breaking Barriers, is committed to helping those struggling with opioid use disorder overcome addiction by providing a transformational approach to treatment – a virtual-based treatment model,” said Pete Gratale, Chairman of Breaking Barriers and CEO of The Recovery Platform. “We are so thankful for our partners across North Carolina who have helped bring this life-saving treatment model to struggling families, and we look to expand these efforts and initiatives like the Carteret County PORT Program and their amazing results. We continue to be especially grateful to Dr. Murphy, who has worked tirelessly especially for those in America’s veterans community, for his commitment to ensuring access to treatment.”
“North Carolina’s veterans, many of whom live in rural communities across our state, simply struggle to access care,” said Franklin Walker, VP of the North Carolina Medical Society Foundation. “New virtual treatment options are now available in these communities, following successful pilots conducted with the North Carolina Medical Society Foundation. Dr. Murphy, a long-time member of the North Carolina Medical Society, leads on the VA Committee to help drive new treatment options and expand treatment access for our veterans – his leadership is absolutely fundamental to ensuring America’s heroes receive the care they deserve.”
“Keeping Carteret County families safe starts with helping those struggling with addiction,” said Sheriff Asa Buck, Carteret County. “We are excited to utilize virtual treatment models offered through Project VBOT as a tool to help support those in the criminal justice system return to their communities, on a pathway to recovery – a truly transformational approach.”
The event was also covered by WCTI news. Click on the image below to see.
Here is a list of the participants:
Walker has been working on Project VBOT and other programs from the NCMS for years and says “The North Carolina Medical Society takes its commitment to the health of North Carolinians very seriously. This is an additional way we continue our work across the state.”