Western North Carolina has higher than state and national averages of opioid-related overdose deaths and opioid prescribing rates. Our region also has higher rates of substance use, including opioid use disorder (OUD), and behavioral health disorders.
The substance use disorder taskforce at UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC brings together clinicians, health educators, public health professionals, and researchers to address the impact of opioids and substance use disorders (SUDs). The task force supports OUD/SUD initiatives at MAHEC that include
UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC is a strategic partner for the North Carolina’s Opioid and Substance Use Action Plan 3.0, which focuses on centering equity, prevention, reducing harm, and connecting people to care.
MAHEC’s pain management and SUD services include comprehensive treatment for pregnant and parenting people with substance use disorders; office-based opioid treatment for established family medicine patients; and safe pain management for patients of all ages and health conditions across MAHEC practices.
There are many ways you can partner with UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC to bring pain management and OUD/SUD prevention and education services to those who need it most in your community. Please explore our provider training and community engagement resources to learn more.
If you would like to arrange for opioid or substance use education for your community or organization, please fill out our Programming Request form.
If you are a local government or municipality wanting to ensure opioid settlement funding is used for maximum impact, please explore our strategic support services.