East Carolina University
Project Summary
The overall goal of this project is to reduce morbidity and mortality of individuals who use opioids within high-risk rural communities in North Carolina (NC). We will work with five high-risk rural counties in NC to expand or enhance their current overdose prevention infrastructure. Specifically, we will expand access to the opioid overdose antidote naloxone by working with these five communities to implement public health vending machines (PHVMs) that dispense naloxone. We will work with key stakeholders, including decision makers and people with lived experiences of opioid use, in the five counties to obtain community support and buy-in to implement public health vending machines.
Activities
Harm Reduction
Purchasing and distributing naloxone, fentanyl test strips or other relevant supplies within the target rural service area
SUD/OUD Care Delivery Sites
Establishing, improving, or expanding physical SUD/OUD care delivery sites, including through, but not limited to, conducting minor renovations, purchasing a mobile unit for providing/expanding access to treatment, etc.