Craven County Opioid Epidemic Response

07/24/2026

In many minority communities, talking openly about mental health or substance use can carry heavy shame. The words used at home, in faith spaces, and in neighborhoods can either isolate or support. Using person-first language reminds everyone that these struggles are health conditions and not character flaws.

This July, let's change the narrative. By shifting our words, we reduce stigma and open the door to life-saving support.

07/22/2026

What an incredible day of connection, reflection, and community support!💙💙
We were honored to join the Craven County Health Department in celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Peletah Ministries and their 10th Resiliency Collaborative. Setting up a resource table and sharing vital health, wellness, and recovery support with attendees was truly a privilege. Events like this remind us of the power of coming together to encourage, equip, and uplift our community. We left feeling inspired and grateful for all the meaningful new connections we made! 🤝

07/13/2026

🧠💙 Seeking help for mental health is hard. Seeking help for substance use can be even harder. For many in minority communities, facing both feels overwhelming. The "dual stigma" of mental health and substance use combined with cultural expectations, fear of judgement, and long-standing mistrust of healthcare systems keeps too many people suffering in silence.
Healing starts with conversation. Help is available.
Visit our office or ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mhddsus to learn more.

07/10/2026

July is Minority Health Awareness Month, an important time to recognize the silent struggles many in our communities face. When we talk about substance use, we can't ignore mental health. Substance use often begins as an attempt to cope with untreated trauma, chronic stress, or mental health conditions. For minority communities, these challenges are often intensified by systemic disparities, discrimination, and limited access to culturally appropriate care. Real support means meeting people where they are and addressing challenges at the root by removing stigma and creating paths to care that feel safe and judgment-free.
Visit: ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mhddsus for more information.

07/07/2026

Our office Resource Wall is fully stocked and open to anyone in the community looking for support, guidance or reliable information.🤝 Whether you're learning, healing, or helping someone you care about, we've got the tools to keep you informed and empowered.

What's on our wall:
📘Education on substance use and recovery
🏥Local treatment and support guides
🛡Safety information including Naloxone
You're never alone on this journey. Stop by, grab what you need, or chat with our team. Everything we offer is free and confidential. 💙

07/01/2026

Craven County Government offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026 in observance of Independence Day. Offices will reopen on Monday, July 6, 2026.
♻️Solid Waste Convenience Centers will be closed on Saturday, July 4, and will reopen during normal hours on Sunday, July 5. Curbside pickup routes will operate as normal.
🚌CARTS will only offer limited operations for dialysis trips.
🛝Parks will remain open during normal hours.

06/30/2026

When it comes to medication safety, how you store your medicine is just as important as the proper dosage. Don’t wait for a scare to change a habit. Keeping your prescription and over-the-counter medications in a locked box or cabinet is the single best barrier against accidental ingestions.

Let’s keep our homes safe:
🔒 Put meds away immediately after use.
🔑 Use a lockbox or a locked cabinet.
📥 DM us today to claim a free medication lockbox for your home!

06/30/2026

06/26/2026

On this International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we want to remind anyone who may be struggling: you are not alone, and your story matters. Healing begins when we choose understanding over judgment and create space for honest, compassionate conversations.
Today, let’s commit to:
👉 Checking in on the people we care about
👉 Learning about the root causes of substance use and mental health challenges
👉 Sharing resources and advocating for accessible, stigma‑free support

If you or someone you know is facing a difficult time, please reach out. Help is always available, and recovery is possible. Together, we can build healthier, more resilient communities. 🤝✨