Vaya Health collaborates with North Carolina communities to spotlight intervention and recovery efforts on Overdose Awareness Day

ASHEVILLE — On International Overdose Day, Vaya Health recognizes the ongoing substance abuse epidemic devastating families and communities across North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reports that from 2000-2022, more than 36,000 North Carolinians lost their lives to drug overdose. The epidemic is overwhelming medical providers and is straining prevention and treatment efforts.

International Overdose Day, observed on Aug. 31, draws awareness to the lives lost to overdose and serves as a reminder to increase attention intervention and recovery efforts. As communities across North Carolina grapple with the opioid epidemic, Vaya remains steadfast in its commitment to providing vital resources to the communities it serves in 32 North Carolina counties.

While overdose numbers rise, Vaya continues in its distribution of NARCAN, an opioid overdose reversal medication, to help respond to and counteract the effects of overdoses. In fact, Vaya has distributed 814 NARCAN kits to North Carolina counties within the last year. The distribution of NARCAN not only aids overdose prevention but brings awareness to the growing rate of substance use across the state while supporting the recovery process.

“Having NARCAN ready and available to distribute across North Carolina communities has been vital in the prevention and education of potential opioid overdoses,” said Donald Reuss, VP of Behavioral Health and I/DD Network Operations at Vaya. “Vaya remains committed to ensuring the distribution of life-saving resources is steady to healthcare providers, first responders, and citizens in North Carolina communities as long as there is a need.”

NARCAN uses Naloxone as a nasal spray to quickly reverse effects of a drug overdose. Naloxone effectively and efficiently acts as a shield that blocks opioids from entering the brain. It is designed to be used by non-medical professionals, making it easy and quick to administer.

To increase awareness and decrease fatalities, it is important to note drug overdose symptoms. Below are some of the major signs to look for if you are with someone suspected of overdosing on opioid drugs:

Slowed, shallow or no breathingSmall, constricted pupilsFalling asleepLoss of consciousnessChoking/gurglingLimp bodyPale, blue and/or cold skin

To further support community awareness, Vaya representatives will be attending the RISE UP event on Aug. 31 in Mitchell County. Hosted by Mitchell County Recovery Ministries, the event aims to bring awareness to overdose in the surrounding communities. Join Vaya Health and other community members from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Downtown Spruce Pine at Oak Avenue to support overdose awareness. The event will feature food vendors, live music, local recovery resources, and testimonials.

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with opioid use, don’t wait. Contact Vaya Health’s Behavioral Health Crisis Hotline today to learn more about available resources and services online or at 1-800-849-6127.