New Hanover County:

State of Opioid Epidemic

In North Carolina, drug overdoses cause more deaths than motor vehicle accidents and firearms. Opioid
misuse and abuse is a serious issue that claims the life of a North Carolinian every day. In 2016,
Wilmington was named as the #1 city in the nation for opioid abuse by the Castlight Health survey.

Scope of Problem Local Efforts

New Hanover County has seen a nearly OVER 100 area leaders, agencies, and
900% INCREASE in OVERDOSES in the community members have come
last 15 years. HEROIN overdoses have TOGETHER to RESPOND to this
INCREASED BY 322% since 2005. epidemic through the Community
Partners Coalition.

The Center for Disease Control and
Prevention estimates the COST of this
epidemic in the US at $78.5 BILLION
PER YEAR.
There are multiple permanent
medication drop boxes throughout the
area and 2880 POUNDS of medications
were COLLECTED at a regional take-
back event in October.

Approximately 57% OF ALL INMATES The First Responder and Criminal

in New Hanover County Jail have been Justice community have adopted
identified as individuals with a INNOVATIVE models to ENGAGE those
in crisis with treatment professionals.
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER.

Since January of 2017, there have been

For those with no insurance or State OVER 2500 reported successful
OVERDOSE REVERSALS by First
funded healthcare, there are ONLY 16
Responders and citizens in New Hanover
BEDS providing detox and facility based
County.
crisis in the REGION.

The intensive reunification program

At New Hanover Regional Medical
Center, there has been a 250%
INCREASE of infants who are BORN
ADDICTED to substances since 2014.
assists foster-care involved families by
addressing barriers to reunification.
70% of those in the program ACHIEVE
REUNIFICATION WITHIN FOUR
MONTHS.

While many of the existing efforts are combating this crisis in our region, there is vital resource missing
in the community that was named as the number one city in the nation for opioid abuse. Our emergency
department and jails are ill-equipped to serve those who need detox and facility based crisis services.
With only 16 beds in the region providing these services for all who may need them, those seeking
treatment for addiction often are unable to access the appropriate level of care in our community.

Sources: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services & Community Partners Coalition