Opioid Education

The Jacksonville Department of Public Safety, in partnership with local substance abuse and mental health agencies, held workshops addressing the opioid crisis in our community. Educational resources presented at these workshops are included on this web page for those affected by opioids, their families, First Responders and prescribers.

“Our community is losing people of all ages to the opioid crisis every day. Education, prevention and intervention is imperative in our battle against heroin and opioid addiction in our community.” - Chief Mike Yaniero, Director of Public Safety

Opioids

Opioid overdose continues to be a major public health problem in the United States. It has contributed significantly illicit and prescription opioids. According to the National Institute on drug abuse, opioid overdose deaths nearly tripled from 2010 to 2020, with reports of opioid-involved overdose climbing from 21,088 in 2010 to 68,630 deaths in 2020. These statistics include any opioid drug, prescription or illicit. In Onslow County, opioid overdose accounted for almost 80% of overdose deaths in 2020. (source- NCDHHS)

Opioids include illegal drugs such as heroin, as well as prescription medications used to treat pain such as morphine, codeine, methadone, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, hydromorphone, and buprenorphine. Opioids work by binding to specific receptors in the brain, spinal cord and gastrointestinal tract and minimize the body's perception of pain. (source - SAMHSA)

Pill Bottle

Opioid Education Resources

SAMHSA Opioid Overdose Toolkit (PDF)

  • Important Facts about Opioids
  • Essential Steps for First Responders
  • Information for Prescribers
  • Safety Advice for Patients and Family Members
  • Recovering from Opioid Overdose

Effects of Opioid Abuse in Teens - by Dr. Tobi Gilbert, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Certified Addictions Professional and by Jacksonville Public Safety, Police Crisis Counselor (PDF)

  • Drug Addiction & Abuse
  • Signs & Symptoms of Opioid Use
  • Where to get help

Identifying and Understanding the Opioid Crisis in Our Community - City of Jacksonville Public Safety, Police Department (PDF)

  • Education
  • Prevention
  • Intervention

Ways To Help

Donate to the Onslow County Resource Gap Fund- Onslow Community Outreach

Additional Resources