$12 Million Grant Announced to Fight Opioid Epidemic in NC

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced the state will get $12 million to continue its fight against the opioid epidemic.

The money will go toward prevention, access to treatment and improve linkages to care. An estimated 450,000 North Carolinians battle opioid abuse, according to a figure released from the Governor's office.

In the last 20 years, more than 12,000 in North Carolina have died from an opioid overdose.  

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“The opioid crisis harms families, communities and our economy and we’re tackling it head-on to save lives,” said Governor Cooper. “This grant will help prevent overdose deaths and expand access to treatment, which provides a path to recovery.”

The grant is in addition to $54 million already received from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 

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People who need help with treatment or recovery can get help by contacting their Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO). To find out which LME/MCO serves your county, visit ncdhhs.gov.