Lee County Opioid Forum

The opioid problem in America is growing at a rapid pace every day and that rings true here in our very own community. My staff and I are constantly exploring ideas and programs to help with those affected by this epidemic. We implemented the Narcan program in 2016 and have had 10 reversals. We have also partnered with the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, by partnering with this coalition our area representatives visit with those that have overdosed and offer them treatment and help. This isn't just a law enforcement problem, it's an entire community problem. We can make the arrests and save lives and offer help, but the community itself needs to encourage long term treatment, parents need to educate their kids, and the state and federal government must hold pharmaceutical companies and physicians accountable.  The courts need to impose strong prison sentences for those caught selling heroin and pills. If this problem has never touched your family, then consider yourself very blessed.  It will take all of us working together - from the federal government down to our local communities to curb this problem. My staff and I attended the Lee County Opioid Forum tonight. It was encouraging to learn about the work that Project Lazarus and Sandhills Center is doing, along with many other resources in our area. Many city and county officials were on hand as well as over 100 Lee county citizens.  We look forward to continuing our fight as a community to rid our county of this problem. Thank you to all that attended. The next meeting is May 24th at 6pm at the McSwain Center.