Drug overdose deaths have skyrocketed, making it a leading cause of death due to injury in the United States, in North Carolina and here in Scotland County. Drug overdose death rates have increased across all segments of the population. Substance use disorder (SUD) has devastating impacts on the life of the people who experience it, their families, and their communities. Scotland County has suffered too many deaths from overdose in the last few years despite our efforts to educate, increase awareness and prevention and provide resources and training. 

From our 2022 CHNA Survey, over 15% of our respondents said their mental health was 'fair' and was their biggest health issue and 4% responded 'poor'.  Over 4% respondents said substance misuse (drugs/alcohol) was their biggest health issue and over 26% responded substance use was the biggest health issue in their family.

According to the North Carolina Injury and Violence Prevention Branch, from July 2022 to June 2023, Scotland County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) had #56 encounters for suspected opioid overdose compared to #52 encounters from January to June 2022. Data from our EMS is as follows: Narcan was administered for overdose #195 times (2021); #184 times (2022); and #164 times (2023).

Despite the high prevalence, stigma and other barriers often prevent people from seeking and receiving needed mental health care or substance use counseling, treatment or long-term care. 

Integrated health care services delivered in a setting and manner that is responsive to individuals and their goals, values and preferences, in a system that supports good provider–patient communication and empowers individuals receiving care and providers to make effective care plans together.