This news item expired on Monday, October 1, 2018 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Overdose Awareness Day was held on August 31 at Pack Square Park. It was a place for people to express themselves, seek help, and learn more about harm reduction.
In NC, unintentional opioid overdose deaths have rapidly increased, from just over 100 deaths in 1999 to over 1,300 deaths in 2016. There was a 40% increase in overdose deaths from 2015 to 2016. These people were children, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers and their tragic deaths are a reminder that we can do better.
Local organizations like SeekHealing, WNCAP, the Steady Collective, NC Harm Reduction Coalition, MAHEC and Buncombe County Health & Human Services were there to answer questions and listen to the stories of people who have been impacted by opioid overdose in Buncombe County.
Several speakers, including Buncombe County Public Health Director Jan Shepard and County Commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara spoke about the public health impact of this problem in our community and the need to encourage dialog and offer support to those in need.
Through harm reduction partners and first responders, thousands of lives have been saved in NC. Critical harm reduction activities such as Naloxone training and distribution and rapid communicable disease testing were available at the event.
Thanks to the organizers for remembering those we have lost to this epidemic and for advocating for better health and wellness for everyone in our community. If you or someone you love need help or resources, please reach out to these agencies or call VAYA at 1-800-849-6127.