Resources in
North Carolina
In 2020, there were 3,146 opioid overdose deaths in the state of North Carolina.
If you are a person who uses drugs or if you are around people who use drugs, please consider learning how to respond to an opioid overdose and carrying naloxone (intranasal brand name: Narcan). Naloxone is a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose. Opioids slow down the activity of the central nervous system. This can cause slowed or stopped breathing which may lead to death. Naloxone displaces the opioids from the opioid receptors in the brain which allows the person who is experiencing an opioid overdose to begin breathing normally. We have a helpful FAQ and are constantly updating it with questions from our site visitors. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, let us know.
Comprehensive naloxone information
Naloxone Saves is a comprehensive resource site for overdose prevention and naloxone access in North Carolina. The site includes information about naloxone access through pharmacies, health departments, and syringe access programs. It also includes an option for community-based programs to request naloxone.
PHARMACY-BASED ACCESS
Use this locator to find a pharmacy in your area that provides naloxone distribution. Each location includes the name of the pharmacy, location, and a phone number. Call ahead with your insurance details to assess information about your co-pay.
ONLINE NALOXONE PHARMACY
Naloxone Exchange by Script Health is an online naloxone-specific pharmacy operating in the state of North Carolina. Naloxone Exchange provides intramuscular, intranasal, and auto-injector formulations of naloxone.
HAVE NALOXONE MAILED TO YOU
If you are a person who uses drugs, have been recently released from jail or prison, or if you are a friend, family member, or partner of of someone who may be at high-risk for an opioid overdose, you can have naloxone mailed to you at no cost.
DO YOU KNOW WHERE TO GET NALOXONE IN YOUR COMMUNITY?
North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition is collecting info on naloxone access points in NC. Please share any info you have about places to access naloxone in your community!
NORTH CAROLINA HARM REDUCTION COALITION
North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition (NCHRC) is NC’s most comprehensive harm reduction agency. Their website includes extensive resources, education, and advocacy opportunities.
Technical assistance for programs in north carolina
The North Carolina Technical Assistance Center (NC-TAC) is a statewide initiative to provide technical assistance to programs that support individuals at risk of incarceration and overdose. NC-TAC provides tailored, evidence-based, technical assistance with a harm reduction approach. Their goal is to improve access to resources for people who use drugs and are impacted by the legal system, in North Carolina.
DRUG USER ORGANIZING
The Urban Survivors Union is a national drug users union mobilizing against the war on drugs. Check out their wealth of resources including #reframetheblame a campaign against drug induced homicide laws.
NORTH CAROLINA’S GOOD SAMARITAN LAW
The 911 Good Samaritan laws state that individuals who experience a drug overdose or persons who witness an overdose and seek help for the victim can no longer be prosecuted for possession of small amounts of drugs, paraphernalia, or underage drinking.
HARM REDUCTION PROGRAMS
North Carolina has an extensive harm reduction program network. Many groups provide mobile and delivery services within their county or multiple counties. Contact the program closest to you for more information. Syringes are also available in many pharmacies throughout the state.
DRUG USER HEALTH RESOURCES
The North Carolina Drug User Health Resource Guide is full of region-specific resources and support options including but not limited to syringe access, drug treatment, testing and health services, and social services.
CRISIS RESOURCES
Anyone may request crisis or emergency services in North Carolina for mental health, substance abuse, intellectual and developmental disabilities issues.