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Carteret CARES
The opioid epidemic is hurting people, families and communities all over the country. In North Carolina, opioid overdose deaths have doubled in the past ten years. From 2000-2020 more than 28,000 people in North Carolina died from drug overdoses. From 2020-2022, 99 people died from overdoses in Carteret County. The Carteret County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to 388 opioid overdoses in 2020, 380 in 2021 and over 300 opioid overdoses in 2022. Overdose numbers increased in 2020 most likely due to the stress and isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The majority of overdoses involving opioids (largely illicitly made fentanyl) and stimulants (such as cocaine and methamphetamine) have increased in recent years. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is now a leading cause of drug overdoses in North Carolina. Fentanyl has no taste or smell, and it can be found in fake pills and powders being sold as different drugs. Fentanyl can lead to overdose within minutes and cause deaths right here in Carteret County.
We want our community to be safe and avoid the risk of drug overdoses. Do not trust pills that are not from a pharmacy. It is impossible to determine the strength of pills provided outside of pharmacies or hospitals, and they may contain fentanyl. Substances may look the same, but fentanyl has changed the drug supply in North Carolina because it is strong, cheap, and easy to transport. Fentanyl is found in pills sold as Xanax, Adderall, OxyContin or others. It might be in powders sold as cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy, molly), and heroin.
The website will serve as a valuable resource hub, offering vital information on overdose prevention, support services, and pathways to recovery for individuals, families, and the community. Together, we can reduce overdose mortality and foster a healthier, safer environment for everyone.
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PORT Program
A Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) is an overdose follow-up program that provides outreach, engagement, and resource navigation to individuals who have serious opioid and other substance use challenges.
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Opioid Overdose Signs
Anyone trying or using drugs could overdose, even if no one knew fentanyl was in the drugs. Know what an overdose looks like, so that you can do the right thing.
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When to Call 911
Always call for help - dial 911 - no one can be in trouble for having small amounts of drugs if they call about an overdose.
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Narcan Saves Lives
Narcan (or naloxone) is a medication that quickly reverses opioid overdoses, including the ones from fentanyl.
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Medication Take Back
If you have expired, unused or unwanted prescription medication stored in your home, community members are encouraged to visit a participating law enforcement agency where unwanted medications may be turned in anonymously.
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Trainings and Webinars
The Carteret County Health Department sponsors training opportunities on substance use disorder for public health staff, healthcare providers, and community members.
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More Powerful NC
The More Powerful NC campaign is anchored in the message that together, we are more powerful than opioids—and we can all help play a part in ending the epidemic.
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National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), which started in 1989, is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.
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Resources
This resource list provides area behavioral health and substance abuse treatment and recovery resources.
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Opioids FAQ