County Honors Lives Lost on International Overdose Awareness Day

In 2023, 291 people died from overdose in Mecklenburg County. They and others will be remembered on Saturday, Aug. 31 as Mecklenburg County and the world spotlight International Overdose Awareness Day. 
 

“These are fentanyl-positive deaths and they have heartbreaking consequences for our residents and their families, “ said Tyler Green, Mecklenburg County Public Health Senior Health Program Manager. “We need to continue to raise the awareness of the dangers and fatal consequences of overdose.”
 

Public Health, in partnership with Hajee House Harm Reduction will provide Naloxone (Narcan) kits to residents in the Beatties ford Road area on August 31, from 3 – 8 p.m. Public Health will display 291 purple flags at the Valerie C. Woodard Community Resource Center in memory of those lost to overdose. Charlotte’s skyline will be lit in purple on Friday, August 30 to mark International Overdose Awareness. 
 

The National Opioid Settlement funds received by Mecklenburg County were used to purchase and distribute Naloxone. “We’re working hard to get these needed resources to our residents,” said County Manager Dena R. Diorio. “Our comprehensive work includes bringing awareness to the dangers of overdose, and making sure we have Naloxone anywhere and everywhere that can save a life.”
 

Public Health has spearheaded the delivery of Naloxone to every Charlotte Mecklenburg School this year, as well as gathering areas across the County. The message is that “anyone can save a life.” Access to Naloxone is instrumental in creating a safety net for emergencies.
 

Residents can now request free Naloxone directly from Public Health through its website. The site will also show you signs of overdose, how to request training for use of Naloxone, as well as a tutorial video approved for youth.