You may notice peaks and dips in the graph above. The peaks are typically related to an increased need for fentanyl testing strips during periods of time when overdoses are occurring more frequently. When overdoses are occurring left and right, that typically indicated that a "bad batch" of heroin (i.e. heroin cut with fentanyl) finds its way into Hyde County.

Those dips in the graph above are sometimes due to lack of funding. Funding for specific harm reduction efforts, such as the distribution of fentanyl testing strips, has been sporadic and short-lived in recent years. So, those dips are not related to lack of need; it is due to a lack of funding to purchase fentanyl testing strips.

• Regional and State Harm Reduction Agencies & Coalitions
• Peer Distributors

Continuous funding is essential to the success of this strategy. Luckily, a large portion of Opioid Settlement dollars will be spent on harm reduction efforts in Hyde County beginning in Spring 2022 through Summer 2038.

To learn more about the Opioid Settlement funding, please visit https://ncopioidsettlement.org/.

HCHD plans to distribute at least 500 fentanyl test strips in 2024.