Rockingham County Government News Release • January 17, 2025 • D. Crews, PIO
Wentworth, NC – A comprehensive analysis of opioid-related data from 2013 to 2024 has revealed critical trends in Narcan (naloxone) usage and reported overdoses, highlighting the challenges and progress in combating the opioid epidemic in Rockingham County.
Narcan, a life-saving medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses, has seen significant fluctuations in usage over the past decade. These changes reflect both the severity of the opioid crisis and the effectiveness of local intervention strategies.
Key Findings:
- Increased Narcan Usage: The administration of Narcan rose from 82 instances in 2013 to a peak of 500 in 2022—a 178% increase. However, usage declined to 228 in 2024, representing a 54% decrease from the peak.
- Rise and Decline of Overdoses: Reported overdoses increased dramatically from 21 in 2013 to 312 in 2022, a staggering 1385% rise. Encouragingly, overdoses decreased to 177 in 2024, a 43% reduction from 2022.
- Correlation Between Usage and Overdoses: The trends underscore the critical role of first responders and healthcare providers in mitigating opioid-related fatalities through timely Narcan administration.
MAT Program: A Comprehensive Approach to Recovery
In February 2024, Rockingham County Mobile Integrated Health Care launched the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program, aimed at addressing the root causes of opioid dependency. This program combines medications like Suboxone with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a holistic approach to treatment.
Initial results from the MAT program are promising. The program contributed to the 43% decline in reported overdoses in 2024, with over 75% of participants engaging in ongoing care to reduce the risk of relapse and overdose.
“These numbers tell a powerful story of the ongoing battle against opioid misuse in our community,” said Justin Stewart of Rockingham County EMS. “While the decline in Narcan usage offers hope, programs like MAT demonstrate that long-term recovery is possible when we address the root causes of addiction.”
Community Initiatives and Future Efforts
Rockingham County is committed to reducing opioid-related harm through:
- Expanding Narcan Access: Training for first responders, healthcare providers, and community members to ensure rapid response to overdoses.
- Prevention and Treatment Partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations to provide resources for substance use disorder prevention and recovery.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the community about the dangers of opioid misuse and available resources.
While the data presented highlights key access points for Narcan through Rockingham County programs, it is important to note that Narcan is also available through pharmacies, community organizations, and other healthcare providers. This comprehensive availability underscores the importance of widespread access to this life-saving medication.
The data for this analysis was collected using ESO Insight software, a trusted tool used in healthcare research to provide accurate and actionable insights. Its use underscores the rigor and reliability of the data presented.
Rockingham County remains committed to transparency, collaboration, and innovation in the fight against opioid misuse.
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