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The two-day Opioid Misuse & Overdose Prevention Summit held last week served as an opportunity to reflect on progress made in North Carolina’s fight against the opioid epidemic and as a rallying cry to continue to invest in supporting communities through prevention and treatment.
Eight hundred stakeholders, leaders and educators from across 12 states and Washington, D.C., attended the Raleigh summit, which featured speakers such as Governor Roy Cooper, NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, Attorney General Josh Stein, retired U.S. Navy Admiral James “Sandy” Winnefeld Jr. and others.
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On the first day of the Summit, Governor Cooper highlighted the progress North Carolina has made since 2017 in addressing the opioid epidemic, but said more must be done. “The numbers show the progress, but it’s the stories that paint a picture,” Governor Cooper said. “Too many families and their loved ones are still suffering, and we must do more."
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Following the Opioid Summit, Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen hosted a roundtable discussion with parents who have lost their children to the opioid epidemic and people in recovery. They advocated for Medicaid expansion as a way to provide access to treatment.
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Several paid media campaigns have been launched in the last two years by NCDHHS and partner groups to raise awareness about the opioid epidemic and the risks of opioids. The campaigns include materials that can be used to help educate North Carolinians on misuse, addiction and overdose.
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The live stream videos of the keynote speakers can be found on the Opioid Misuse & Prevention Summit Facebook page.
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Opioid Action Plan 2.0 Details Next Steps in Epidemic
North Carolina's Opioid Action Plan 2.0 builds upon the progress resulting from the initial version of the plan launched in 2017. The new plan includes three pillars and further develops strategies that are working for North Carolina and those affected by the epidemic.
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NCDHHS has information and resources to help partners and communities fight the opioid crisis. To learn more about the epidemic, the new action plan, treatment, syringe exchange, naloxone access and more, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/opioids. The latest data, including information about opioid overdoses and opioid overdose reversals, can be found here.
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