Deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department (ED) visits due to medication or drug overdose, have become a growing public health concern nationally and in North Carolina. Historically, prescription opioids were a major driver of this epidemic, however, illicit drugs are now contributing to this problem in increasing numbers. The majority of overdose deaths now involve illicit opioids like heroin or fentanyl, a synthetic narcotic.

In Union County, when it comes to opioid overdoses and ED visits, while no populations are immune, data shows that the impact to those of white or non-Hispanic ethnicity and those in the 25–44-year-old age range are impacted disproportionately higher than the percentage those groups make of the total population.

In Union County, fentanyl is now the contributing issue in at least one ED visit each month, except for November, whereas in 2018 and 2019, the presence of Fentanyl was not documented as a contributing issue.

What is Helping?

• Opioid Settlement Funds to fund a Recovery Court Program, increase MAT program, continue Naloxone Distribution, and Supportive Program for children of substance users.
• Developing on a collaborative program in UCPS with Behavioral Health Collaborative and Law Enforcement.
• Developing a Substance Use Coalition (extension of Opioid Settlement Group) to discuss gaps and needs in the community.

Behavioral Health Providers

Partners LME/MCO

Daymark

Center for Emotional Health

NAMI

Thompson

Atrium Union

Behavioral Health Collaborative

Outpatient Therapists

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Faith-Based Community

Langford Chapel

New Testament Baptist Food Pantry

Prospect Methodist Church

Thomas Rogers Ministries

Waxhaw Baptist Church

New Central Communitario

Healthcare Providers

Community Care of North Carolina

Community Health Clinic (free clinic)

HealthQuest

Matthews Free Medical Clinic

Atrium Union

Novant Health

Union County Health Department Clinics

Law Enforcement

Sheriff’s Office

Monroe Police Department

Stallings Police Department

Waxhaw Police Department

Municipal Fire Departments

Non-profit organizations

Common Heart

Community Shelter of Union County

Heart for Monroe

Loaves and Fishes

Operation Reach Out

Turning Point

MAT Providers

Dr. Adam Salisu, MD

Broadview Health

Chad Daniel Howard, MD

Daymark Recovery

McLeod

New Beginnings

Naloxone Distributors

Prevention

Center for Prevention

Recovery Providers

Bridge to Recovery

Ground 40

House of Pearls

Safe Communities

Support Communities

Cameron’s House of Hope

Shine House

NA, AA, Alanon, Alateen, NarAnon

Treatment Providers (Clinical)

Daymark (Detox, SAIOP)

New Beginnings (Outpatient)

Schools and Universities

Wingate University

South Piedmont Community College (SPCC)

Union County Public Schools

Union Academy (Charter School)

Union County Government

Human Services Agency -Department of Social Services, Health, Transportation, Veterans Services, Community Support and Outreach

Union County Communications Department

Union County EMS

Union County Library

Board Of County Commissioners

Municipal County Leaders

Parks and Recreation

Evidence-based addiction treatment - Evidence-based addiction treatment consistent with the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s national practice guidelines for the treatment of opioid use disorder – including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with any medication approved for this purpose by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration – through Opioid Treatment Programs, qualified providers of Office-Based Opioid Treatment, Federally Qualified Health Centers, treatment offered in conjunction with justice system programs, or other community-based programs offering evidence based addiction treatment. 

Recovery support services - Evidence-based recovery support services, including peer support specialists or care navigators based in local health departments, social service offices, detention facilities, community-based organizations, or other settings that support people in treatment or recovery, or people who use drugs, in accessing addiction treatment, recovery support, harm reduction services, primary healthcare, or other services or supports they need to improve their health or well-being.

Recovery housing support - Programs offering recovery housing support to people in treatment or recovery, or people who use drugs, such as assistance with rent, move-in deposits, or utilities; or fund recovery housing programs that provide housing to individuals receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment for opioid use disorder.

Employment-related services- Programs offering employment support services to people in treatment or recovery, or people who use drugs, such as job training, job skills, job placement, interview coaching, resume review, professional attire, relevant courses at community colleges or vocational schools, transportation services or transportation vouchers to facilitate any of these activities, or similar services or supports.

Early intervention - Programs, services, or training to encourage early identification and intervention for children or adolescents who may be struggling with problematic use of drugs or mental health conditions, including Youth Mental Health First Aid, peer-based programs, or similar approaches.  Training programs may target parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health or human services professionals, or others in contact with children or adolescents.

Naloxone distribution - Programs or organizations that distribute naloxone to persons at risk of overdose or their social networks, such as Syringe Service Programs, post-overdose response teams, programs that provide naloxone to persons upon release from jail or prison, emergency medical service providers or hospital emergency departments that provide naloxone to persons at risk of overdose, or community-based organizations that provide services to people who use drugs.  Programs or organizations involved in community distribution of naloxone may, in addition, provide naloxone to first responders.

Post-overdose response team - Post-overdose response teams that connect persons who have experienced non-fatal drug overdoses to addiction treatment, recovery support, harm reduction services, primary healthcare, or other services or supports they need to improve their health or well-being.

Syringe Service Program- Syringe Service Programs operated by any governmental or nongovernmental organization authorized by section 90-113.27 of the North Carolina General Statutes that provide syringes, naloxone, or other harm reduction supplies; that dispose of used syringes; that connect clients to prevention, treatment, recovery support, behavioral healthcare, primary healthcare, or other services or supports they need; or that provide any of these services or supports. 

Criminal justice diversion programs- Pre-arrest or post-arrest diversion programs, or pre-trial service programs, that connect individuals involved or at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system to addiction treatment, recovery support, harm reduction services, primary healthcare, prevention, or other services or supports they need, or that provide any of these services or supports.

Addiction treatment for incarcerated persons- Evidence-based addiction treatment, including Medication-Assisted Treatment with at least one FDA-approved opioid agonist, to persons who are incarcerated in jail or prison. 12. Reentry Programs.  Support programs that connect incarcerated persons to addiction treatment, recovery support, harm reduction services, primary healthcare, or other services or supports they need upon release from jail or prison, or that provide any of these services or supports.