Community Resources
MAHEC is a founding member of the WNC Substance Use Alliance. We work with community partners across the region to increase awareness of and access to substance misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery resources.
The following resources may be helpful for learning how to reduce the risks associated with opioid and substance use disorders, safe disposal of prescription medications, and treatment and recovery services in our region.
Educational Flyers
Letter to Parents of Students
Nonopioid Treatments for Chronic Pain
Opioids for Acute Pain: What You Need To Know
Opioids for Chronic Pain: What You Need To Know
Preventing an Opioid Overdose
Safe Disposal of Unused Opioids
Safe Medication Disposal Tips
Naloxone (Narcan®)
Local Pharmacies
Many pharmacies in the region can provide you with a Narcan kit without a prescription. The kit, which can help reverse an accidental opioid overdose, may be covered by your insurance. Just ask your pharmacist.
The Steady Collective
297 Haywood Street, Suite #2, Asheville, NC 28801
800-898-5801
Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP)
554 Fairview Road, Asheville, NC 28803
828-252-7489
Please keep prescription medications, including Naloxone, in a locked box or other secure storage.
Needle Exchange Programs
Needle exchange programs have been shown to reduce the transmission of serious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C and increase the likelihood that substance users will seek treatment services.
Needle Exchange Program of Asheville
Pill Disposal
Asheville Police Department
Lobby, 100 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801
828-252-1110
Buncombe County Courthouse
Lobby, 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801
828-259-3400
Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office
Lobby, 339 New Leicester Highway
828-250-6670
Area Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, etc.)
Locations can be found through the NC Department of Justice's website or DEA Locator.
Referral and Crisis Centers
C3356 Comprehensive Care Center
24/7 urgent care for mental health and substance use crises
356 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Crisis Line: 828-254-2700
Mobile Crisis Management
On-site intervention and stabilization of mental health, substance use and developmental disability crises
24-Hour Crisis Service: 1-888-573-1006
NC 2-1-1
Links to local resources including food, housing, utilities, counseling, healthcare and more
Dial 2-1-1 or 888 - 892-1162
Vaya Health
Public managed care organization that oversees Medicaid, federal, state, and local funding for services related to mental health, substance use, and intellectual/developmental disability (IDD) needs for 23 WNC counties
24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-849-6127
Social Services
Buncombe County's Family Justice Center houses:
Helpmate
Provides emergency shelter and support for those experiencing intimate partner violence
24-Hour Hotline: 828-254-0516
Our Voice
Sexual assault assistance, counseling, and advocacy
24-Hour Hotline: 828-255-7576
STD and Hepatitis C Testing
Buncombe County Health Department
Free testing by appointment
53 South French Broad Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
828- 250-5000
WNCAP
Free and confidential testing by appointment
554 Fairview Road, Asheville, NC 28803
828-252-7489
WNCCHS - Minnie Jones Health Center
Free walk-in testing for established patients
257 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 285-0622