Press release from Buncombe County
Drug overdose deaths in North Carolina, particularly Buncombe County, are on the rise. In 2022, 151 people in the county lost their lives to drug overdoses, with over 90% of those deaths being unintentional, according to data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, a time to recognize this tragic loss and promote local resources to prevent further overdoses.
Buncombe County is partnering with SeekHealing for an Overdose Awareness Day Ceremony on Saturday, August 31 at Carrier Park from noon to 5 p.m., offering collective reflection and support for those affected by overdose. The event will include a community lunch, panel discussion, and more. Everyone is welcome. Click here to learn more.
Knowing that 40 percent of overdose deaths occur while a bystander is present, Buncombe County and partners in our community provide a range of services to prevent overdose and resources that pave a path to recovery. The County supports various life-saving programs using funds allocated from a $29 million opioid settlement being distributed over the next 14 years.
The Buncombe County Health and Human Services Harm Reduction program provides fentanyl and xylazine test strips at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville, open Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. The program also offers:
- Harm reduction supplies
- Linkage to community resources and medical care
- Testing and treatment for STI
- Free overdose reversal trainings on the first Friday of the month
- The Community Paramedic Program helps individuals at high risk of overdose access treatment and support with promising results. Since its inception, 402 individuals have started treatment, with 53% continuing in care. Some have even become certified peer specialists.
“It is up to all of us to work together to improve access to these critical resources for those who are most vulnerable,” says Dr. Shuchin Shukla, the County’s Medical Substance Use Professional who is providing consultation services.
Through the Hope & Healing campaign, Buncombe County continues to share the important fact that drugs and opioids impact us all. The County hopes to break the stigma associated with opioid and polysubstance use and encourage people to reach out for help.
Drugs and opioids impact all of us. Overdose Awareness Day is about accessing resources, information, interventions, harm reduction, and care options before tragedy strikes.
Support for individuals experiencing opioid use disorder and their loved ones is available, regardless of insurance coverage. Go to www.buncombecounty.org/safer for more information. Hope and healing are closer than you think.
Local Resources:
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
- National Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline (language services in Spanish also available) is free, 24/7, confidential and judgement-free: call or text 988.
- Call Appalachian Mountain Health at -828-257-4745 for primary care, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), Hepatitis C and HIV treatment.
- Call MAHEC at 828-257-4730 for primary care, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), MAT for pregnant or postpartum people, Hepatitis C and HIV Treatment.
- Call WNCCHS at 828-285-0622 for primary care, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), HIV Treatment.
- Call VAYA Health at 1-800-849-6127 for the behavioral health crisis line available 24/7 and 1-800-962-9003 Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. for referrals for substance use services.
- Dial 252-HELP or 211 for connections to support resources in Buncombe County and across Western North Carolina.
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