The North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission (HWTFC) was created in 2001 to receive 25% of North Carolina’s share of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. The enabling statute (N.C.G.S. 147-86.30 (e)) laid out the following as the Fund Purposes for HWTFC:
- To address the health needs of vulnerable and underserved populations in North Carolina.
- To fund programs and initiatives that include research, education, prevention and treatment of health problems in North Carolina, and to increase the capacity of communities to respond to the public's health needs.
- To develop a comprehensive, community-based plan with goals and objectives to improve the health and wellness of the people of North Carolina. A priority is to prevent, reduce and remedy the health effects of tobacco use, particularly in youth. The plan shall include measurable health and wellness objectives and a proposed timetable for achieving these objectives. In developing the plan, the Commission shall consider all facets of health, including prevention, education, treatment, research and related areas.