White residents are most impacted by overdose deaths (28 per 100,000 in 2020), but the percent increase in overdose death rates is highest among Black and Latino residents. Between 2015 and 2020, the overdose death rate among White residents increased by 32%, while the rate among Black residents increased by 93% and the rate among Latino residents increased by 201%. 10.3% of survey respondents selected substance use resources and support as an issue that our community should focus on to improve health and well-being.

Some key partners in addressing overdose and substance use include prevention programs, treatment and harm reduction programs, as well as healthcare providers, local Emergency Departments, law enforcement and the justice system. 

Diversion programs, naloxone distribution and other harm reduction services, and prevention efforts are all priority areas for local service partners.

Catawba County Public Health facilitates a workgroup that is focused on Brain Health. Workgroup strategies include: 

• Alignment with current Opioid Response Coordination, work to address and prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and promote Resiliency efforts.
• Learning and partnership surrounding trauma-informed approaches and building resilient communities
• Brain health messaging to reduce stigma surrounding seeking out services.

Actions taken so far include:

• Applying for the Strengthening Systems for NC Children (SYNC) grant: A systems thinking approach to identifying key facilitators and barriers to address risk factors and promote protective factors 
• Offering screenings of the "Resilience" documentary to provide a baseline knowledge of ACEs and what can help children overcome stressors
• Organizing training surrounding the often unspoken long-term wounds of adversity and trauma through Crossnore's Center for Trauma Resilient Communities
• Exploring the potential use of a community-wide online platform that would provide individuals with linkage to assessments, self-care, articles and other tools to help them address their brain health needs without stigma and linkage to in-person services with local providers.