Craven County Opioid Epidemic Response

04/10/2026

Join us for Operation Medicine Drop, hosted by the Craven County Sheriff's Office on Saturday, April 25th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. We will be at the No. 7 Township Fire Department, located at 1815 Brices Creek Road New Bern, NC.

This FREE event offers a safe and easy way to dispose of unwanted over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Remember, never toss medications in the trash or flush them down the toilet. Let's work together for a safer community!

04/09/2026

Join Community Collaborative for Craven County Children - C5 for our annual Pinwheel Garden & Parade to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month! This Friday we will be "planting" the pinwheel garden at the First Citizen's Sculpture Park at 11:30am followed by a parade downtown New Bern- ALL are welcome!💙

Let's come together to promote child well-being in Craven County, not just for the moth of April but EVERY DAY!

04/01/2026

03/30/2026

Youth early intervention is not about having one "perfect" lecture. It's about the small, everyday moments that build a foundation of trust.
When our youths feel heard, they feel empowered to make safer, healthier choices.

Try one of these '"connection starters" tonight:
1. I saw a post today about Fentanyl in our county. Have you or your friends heard anything about that lately?
2. What was the most stressful part of your day? How did you handle it?
The goal: Let them know you're a safe space for them.

What's your go-to way to check in with your kids? share your tips below!
Visit our office for more resources and information.

03/30/2026

Shout out to the Craven-Pamlico Re-Entry Council for the incredible work they are doing this April! Re-entry support is vital for justice-involved individuals navigating the path toward stable housing, employment, and a fresh start.

We're celebrating the justice-involved and those who have shared lived experiences in jail and/or prison.
Starting over can be difficult! We celebrate you for taking one step in the right direction! Craven Pamlico Re-Entry Council!

03/23/2026

03/20/2026

As National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week comes to a close, we want to leave you with the most important fact of all: You are not alone, and help is right here in Craven County. 🤝
Our office isn’t just about data; we are about people. Whether you are looking for prevention tools, seeking treatment, or supporting a loved one in recovery, our department is your local resource hub.
Stop by our office to pick up educational materials or talk to us about how we can support you and your family.

03/19/2026

According to SAMHSA, 48.4 million Americans—that’s 1 in 6 people aged 12 and older dealt with a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year.
Behind every statistic is a person. It’s our neighbors, our friends, and our family members. Substance use disorder is a health issue, and by sharing the facts, we can shatter the myths and reduce the stigma that keeps people from seeking help.
If you or someone you love is part of that '1,' know that you aren’t alone. If you’re looking for support, education, or recovery resources right here in our community, please stop by our office. We are here to help connect you with the tools and information you need.

03/18/2026

It’s easy to focus on the risks, but let’s take a moment to look at the success: More than 3 out of 4 youth do NOT use substances. When we highlight the positive choices the majority of our students are making, we empower them to stay the course.
The reality is that drugs and your body have a toxic relationship. 🚩 They can damage your organs, twist your mental health, and make you feel like a stranger in your own skin. By choosing to ditch the drama, the majority of our youth are protecting their potential and their health!💪
Let’s continue building a community where healthy living is the standard. Learn more about drugs’ toxic behaviors at cdc.gov/FreeMind.

03/17/2026

Did you know? 🧠 Substances like alcohol and opioids are depressants. This means they slow down the vital communication between your brain and your body. They affect the areas that control coordination and memory, and in the case of an opioid overdose, they can even signal the brain to stop breathing.
Understanding the "why" behind the "buzz" helps us make safer, more informed decisions.
Learn more at:
SAMHSA.gov
dea.gov/factsheets/depressants

03/17/2026

We’ll be at the Craven Works Career and Resource Fair tomorrow! Stop by our table from 10 AM to 2:30 PM to chat with our team. Whether you’re looking for support, local resources, or lifesaving tools like Naloxone, we’re here for you. We’ll be sharing educational materials and ways we can all work together to tackle the opioid crisis in our community. We’d love to see you there!