News Flash

For Immediate Release

09/22/2023   

General Health Information

Phone: 704-216-8884
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/health
Email: hayley.edwards@rowancountync.gov

Rowan County Public Health’s HOPE team was given the opportunity to partner with the Rowan County Sheriff's Office, through the Prevent Prescription Drug/Opioid Overdose Grant, to provide free Narcan to a high-risk population for opioid drug overdoses. With this partnership, Rowan County Public Health’s HOPE team and the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office are happy to announce that Narcan vending machines are now available at the Rowan County Detention Center and Annex. The vending machines will provide free Narcan for individuals upon release, as well as family members and friends who access to these buildings. All vending machines will have 24-hours-per-day, seven-days-a-week accessibility.

It is especially important to have Narcan accessible to justice-involved populations who are at greater risk of overdose. A North Carolina study found that people leaving jail are 40 times more likely to die of an opioid overdose within their first two weeks after release, and overdose is the leading cause of death among persons who are returning from incarceration.

Narcan is a safe, non-addictive drug that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It can restore normal breathing within minutes in a person whose breathing has slowed or even stopped as a result of an opioid overdose. Each kit of Narcan holds two doses, that are administered through the nasal cavity. The kit also contains instructions on how to use it and resources for treatment and support services.

HOPE’s team mission is to provide support, a connection to care, and the education that people may need to practice safe substance use and to find a path of recovery that improves their health and wellness. The HOPE team offers free Narcan at Rowan County Public Health or can meet you in the community, if needed. To receive substance use support, a connection to care, or inquire about free Narcan, give HOPE a call at 704-216-8827

 Contact:

Amy Smith

(704) 216-8859

amy.smith@rowancountync.gov

Download Media Release General Health Information-September 22, 2023