Harm Reduction

An opioid overdose can be life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 immediately if an overdose is suspected.

If any of these symptoms present in an opioid user, seek emergency medical help immediately. 

SAVE ME Steps – Take Steps to Save a Life video

Symptoms to look for, referred to as the “opioid overdose triad”:

• Pinpoint pupils
• Slowed or stopped breathing
• Unconsciousness/non-responsiveness

Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a medication that can be administered either through injection or as a nasal spray to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by helping the muscles of the lungs open back up, allowing the individual to breathe.

Read more about how Naloxone (Narcan) works

• NaloxoneSaves.Org: Provides information to pharmacies and the public about North Carolina's statewide standing order for naloxone.
• New Hanover County Health and Human Services: 1650 Greenfield Street Wilmington, NC 28401
  • Provides free Naloxone (Narcan) at the Public Health Clinic during clinic hours.
• North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition (NCHRC): 2154 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington NC 28403
  • Offers free overdose rescue kits to people with a high risk for overdose. Please visit NCHRC's website for more information.
• Pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid
  • No prescription required
  • Cost varies depending on insurance
• Emergency medical services (EMS), fire rescue, and law enforcement carry and administer Naloxone when medically necessary.
• GetNaloxoneNow.org

Naloxone Standing Order

While Naloxone, or Narcan, is a prescribed drug, the state of North Carolina passed a standing order in 2015 which allows government and non-government organizations to prescribe Naloxone to individuals they believe to be at risk. The standing order also protects organizations and individuals administering Naloxone against any legal action. Any individual is able to administer Naloxone if they meet the requirements of the law and have completed a short training on administration and signs of overdose.

Watch “How To Use Narcan Nasal Spray” video

How to Properly Dispose of Needles

Always use an FDA-cleared sharps container when available. Free sharps containers may be available from your doctor, health insurance provider, or medication supplier.

Dispose of Sharps Containers

• North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition's (NCHRC) Wilmington office, located at 2154 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington NC 28403
• Email Becca Lilly, Exchange Program Manager or the Executive Director or call 910-228-7605 or 336-543-8050

If you cannot get an FDA-cleared sharps container, follow these guidelines:

• Use an empty household container with these features:
  • Tight-fitting lid that cannot be punctured
  • Stays upright
  • Made of heavy-duty plastic that will not puncture easily
  • Does not leak
• Dispose of household sharps container when it is 2/3 full:
  • Close lid, tape shut, and label “sharps biohazard”
  • Take sharps container to sharps disposal program
  • If you cannot find a sharps disposal program, put the container in the center of a full trash bag and discard in regular trash. Do not put sharps containers in recycling.
• How To Safely Dispose Of Needles (PDF)

In July 2016, Governor Pat McCrory signed a bill legalizing syringe exchanges in North Carolina. While needle exchanges are legal, they do not receive any taxpayer funding.

North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition (NCHRC) Needle Exchange - Wilmington

• Offers fixed, mobile, and peer-based needle exchanges in New Hanover County.
  • The NCHRC Wilmington office is located at 2154 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington NC 28403.
• Mobile and peer exchange are also available in Brunswick County through the NCHRC Wilmington exchange. Email Becca Lilly, Exchange Program Manager or the Executive Director or call 910-228-7605 or 336-543-8050