August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to recognize the tragic loss of life our communities face due to opioid and polysubstance use. It is also a time to come together to promote local resources and share the fact that overdoses are not inevitable; they are preventable.
Overdose Awareness Day is about accessing resources, information, interventions, harm reduction, and care options before tragedy strikes.
Local Resources:
- If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
- National Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline (language services in Spanish also available) is free, 24/7, confidential and judgement-free: call or text 988.
- Call Appalachian Mountain Health at 828-257-4745 for primary care, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), Hepatitis C and HIV treatment.
- Call MAHEC at 828-257-4730 for primary care, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), MAT for pregnant or postpartum people, Hepatitis C and HIV Treatment.
- Call WNCCHS at 828-285-0622 for primary care, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), HIV Treatment.
- Call VAYA Health at 1-800-849-6127 for the behavioral health crisis line available 24/7 and 1-800-962-9003 Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. for referrals for substance use services.
- Dial 252-HELP or 211 for connections to support resources in Buncombe County and across Western North Carolina.
Peer Support Services:
- Call VAYA at 1-800-962-9003 to be connected to Peer Support Programs in Buncombe County.
- Peer Support Living Rooms are safe spaces to connect to people with lived experience. Two locations in Buncombe County:
- SeekHealing is a community-sourced treatment model that empowers people to heal from trauma rather than achieve certain outcomes. It provides free support services to any stage in the process of healing from trauma and/or addiction and mental health challenges. Call 828-222-5029 or email conversations@seekhealing.org.
- WNC Listening Line provides non-crisis emotional support between community members. Call or text to connect at 828-547-4547; 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
- The Share Project is a source of awareness and support for families and loved ones impacted by the drug crisis. Call 828-283-0757.