The graph represents the number of individuals dosed with naloxone by the FirstHealth Emergency Medical System due to possible overdose. 

Reference

FirstHealth Emergency Medical Systems. (2025, March 1). Report on Naloxone distribution per patient [Oral]. Drug Endangered Family Task Force Meeting. 

What is helping

1. Richmond County Drug Endangered Family Task Force (DEFT) is an established organization formed to address the opioid crisis in Richmond County communities.
2. Opioid Settlement Funds are used to fund local treatment, recovery, reentry, and prevention programs, as well as mental health services.
3. Medicaid expansion pays for mental health services and substance use treatments.
4. Naloxone Distribution center for first responders and anyone working with those who are suffering from substance use.
5. Law enforcement task force set up to patrol our major highways for drug and human trafficking.

What is Hurting

1. Little to no vaping, marijuana, or tobacco regulation in North Carolina
2. Public perception of vaping as not harmful by youth and adults
3. Public perception of marijuana as being not harmful by youth and adults
4. Babies born from mothers with polysubstance use issues and no universal testing during pregnancy and after birth
5. Sweet-flavored vaping products being sold to youth
6. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogs coming into the county
7. Fake/ look-alike drugs being sold in the county
8. Other over-the-counter options for substance misuse
9. Major highways intersect in Richmond County; Highway#1 and Highway #74 are known for drug and human trafficking
10. Little to no affordable housing options
11. Rising homeless population
12. Small rural county with no job/career opportunities

Anticipated Factors

The standard liability theory suggests that those who become addicted at a young age can have stronger addictions to other types of substances, which makes T21 advocacy so important. Legislation on Tobacco 21 (T21) would allow for regulating tobacco and vaping products in North Carolina, including retail regulation by the ABC Commission. T21 could be passed this year due to ongoing support from the NCPHA, NCAH, NCCPH, ABC, NCALHD, and many other health agencies. This vital piece of legislation could curtail youth accessibility to not only nicotine products but also delta products, which could lead to more problematic illicit substances.

Research Needed

1. More research is needed on why people develop drug habits since there is a correlation between mental health issues and drug use.
2. Schools need more mental health counselors for errant behavior and mental health issues on each campus. Teachers should be trained to assess for mental health issues and be able to refer to the campus professional.
3. More research is needed on babies of moms who are substance users and the consequential effects on mental health and possible future drug use.
4. More disaggregated data is needed on the areas of the county where substance use deaths occur for prevention and awareness.

Data Development Update

The annual data of race, gender, age, and municipality of the overdose is being aggregated for future analysis and distribution. 

• Richmond County Department of Social Services DEFT | Richmond County, NC - Official Website (richmondnc.com)
  The Richmond County Drug Endangered Family Taskforce (DEFT) was formed to address the opioid crisis in our local neighborhoods. Community stakeholders, county government, and local agencies have joined forces to provide treatment resources and community education. We are committed to bringing awareness and prevention to Richmond County and its residents by working with local providers to reduce the supply of prescription opioids, increase community awareness and prevention, and supply naloxone to family, friends, and other interested parties who may work, live or know those who may use opioids.  
• Sandhills Opioid Response Consortium Substance Use Disorder | NC | FirstHealth of the Carolinas
  A FirstHealth community coalition committed to reducing opioid-related overdoses in Moore, Montgomery, Lee, Hoke, and Richmond counties. We work with our partners in each county to provide peer support, caregiver support, harm reduction kits, medicine for opioid use disorders, support groups, and syringe exchanges. We also support our partners in building community awareness by providing podcasts, virtual support, and community events like Drop Box locations. 
• Hamlet City Police Police Department (hamletnc.us) 
  Our agency, through investigations both self-initiated and community-driven, locates and finds both those using opioids and illegally selling opioids. In addition, we reach out to those who have addictions and try to provide resources to aid in recovery. We believe that both aiding in recovery as well as stopping the illegal supply of opioids is the best way we, as officers, can help the community.
• Rockingham City Police Rockingham Police Department Rockingham NC (gorockinghampd.com) 
  The Mission of the Rockingham Police Department is to enforce the laws and ordinances of the State of North Carolina and the City of Rockingham. By providing quality law enforcement, we safeguard lives, enhance community safety, protect property, and reduce the impact and fear of crime. Our officers seek and preserve public confidence by the impartial observance of the law and by offering service and trust to all members of the public.
• Richmond County School System Richmond County Schools 
  The school system teaches drug awareness and avoidance. Richmond County Schools celebrate Red Ribbon Week in the elementary grades each fall, which supports students being drug-free! Each school utilizes counselors and teaching staff to highlight NC curriculum standards and stand-alone activities to promote students being drug-free.
• FirstHealth Emergency Medical Services Emergency Medical Services (EMS) (firsthealth.org)
  FirstHealth EMS is a nonprofit service that provides transports for 911 patients in Chatham, Montgomery, and Richmond counties. With 40 ambulances and 200 employees, the FirstHealth Regional EMS System is one of the largest ambulance systems in North Carolina, covering more than 3,000 square miles. Each county is unique but provides a high level of Advanced Life Support (ALS) care to all our patients. Together with our Medical Transport Team, FirstHealth EMS transports approximately 23,000 patients each year to a variety of destinations around the state.
• Richmond County Sherriff's Department Richmond County Sheriff, NC | Official Website
  Our mission is to improve the quality of life in our county by reducing fear, preventing crime, and enforcing the law while protecting each individual’s freedoms guaranteed by the United States Constitution.

Strategy: Naloxone Distribution Center
Who: Emergency Management Services (EMS) Director and DEFT Coordinator
What: EMS will create an area for appropriate storage of naloxone spray of various strengths with funding provided by opioid settlement funds.
When: August 2022 and until no longer needed
How: Upon creating the distribution center, Richmond County first responders may sign for necessary amounts of naloxone to replenish their existing supply. The process will also apply to local grassroots organizations that work directly with those affected by substance use. The most important aspect is to put life-saving medication into the hands of people who work directly with those affected by substance use.

Strategy: Recovery Support Services
Who: Samaritan Colony Director and DEFT coordinator
What: Annual support for the in-house recovery of fifteen (15) Richmond County males who have suffered from substance use.
When: August 2023 - August 2025
How: Individual Program: A 12-step facilitation program that includes evidence-based, cognitive, behavioral, social, and recreational therapies. This includes character-building classes where men learn to put structure and responsibility back into their lives. They can confidently live a sober life through individual and group therapy, family counseling, and essential life skills training.
Family Program: Addiction affects everyone, including the family. However, family support and commitment can significantly impact the recovery process. The Colony provides the resources and counseling to begin the healing process together.
Recovery Housing and Aftercare Planning: The Colony clinical staff works with everyone to coordinate a plan for aftercare and housing if needed. Some men will return home to their families, and others will consider returning to school or need jobs and recovery-supported housing.