Video Archives - Fentanyl Victims Network of North Carolina

Advocates in NC say crisis isn’t over as new data shows sharp drop in fentanyl, overdose deaths

Read the original article on watch the video on the ABC11 News website.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Fentanyl Awareness Day is being observed Wednesday with new data showing a decline in fentanyl-related deaths — and overall overdose deaths — across North Carolina.

An update from the NCDHHS shows overall overdose deaths in the state fell by 34% between 2023 and 2024, the first decline since 2019. Fentanyl-related deaths peaked at just over 3,300 in 2022 and have declined to fewer than 1,500 last year, according to state data from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Advocates say the progress is a good sign — but they’re clear the fentanyl crisis is far from over.

“We now have over 20,000 fentanyl victims in North Carolina, and the families, the victims families have said enough,” Barb Walsh of Cary said.

Walsh lost her daughter, Sophia, to fentanyl in August 2021. Since then, she’s worked with lawmakers to push for changes and founded the Fentanyl Victims Network of North Carolina to help families navigating similar losses.

“So the deaths are still occurring and it may be less, but those families will not take any comfort in knowing that their loved one was not saved,” Walsh said.

That decline in fentanyl-related deaths is part of a broader drop in overdose deaths across the state. According to NCDHHS, overdose deaths involving all drugs fell from more than 4,400 in 2023 to fewer than 3,000 in 2024.

Walsh credited the progress in part to expanded access to naloxone, a drug used to reverse overdoses, and increased public awareness.

“They’re saying the word fentanyl out loud. They’re talking about the life naloxone. They’re elevating the public discussion about naloxone and fentanyl victims. Deaths More importantly, it is treating the victims and their families with dignity and respect,” she said.

Despite the improvement, Walsh said continued efforts are critical.

“It is not time yet to stop talking about trying to save lives together. The work the government is doing, the opioid settlement funds, law enforcement, district attorney’s harm reduction groups, public health, the families who have started nonprofits, all of you, all of us are needed in order to save lives,” she said.

State officials say counties showing the most progress are those using funds from a $1.4 billion opioid settlement, which requires adherence to specific guidelines and reporting standards to access the money.

While the latest data shows a significant decline, advocates say continued coordination across agencies and communities will be key to sustaining the progress.

Why 72,000 Deaths a Year Is Not a Success Story

Listen to the podcast or watch the video on the Grieving Out Loud website.

With the number of drug overdose deaths dropping, some are celebrating. But is there a risk in declaring victory too early and cutting funding for prevention? Today’s guest on Grieving Out Loud, an addiction researcher at Stanford, says not so fast. About 72,000 overdose deaths a year still exceeds the total number of Americans who died in the Vietnam War.

Dr. Wayne Kepner says not only are far too many people still dying, but celebrating too early could cost more lives. He recently wrote an article titled, “America must not learn to live with 72,000 overdose deaths a year.”

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Dr. Kepner shares what history has taught us about past drug epidemics, and how those lessons can guide the path forward while preventing as many deaths as possible.

North Carolina’s backlogged autopsies delaying justice, prosecutors say

Read the original article and watch the video on the WRAL News website.

Despite funding increases and legislative support, North Carolina’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner remains backlogged due to a national shortage of pathologists and a surge in subpoenas requiring experts to testify in person.

Getting an autopsy report in North Carolina after someone dies can take months. Despite recent funding for the medical examiner’s office, prosecutors say the backlog of autopsies is slowing down justice.

Simply put, the state’s medical examiner’s office is overloaded. A huge influx in funding helped. But what’s straining the system isn’t the caseload now, it’s the courts.

Dorleen Richardson is waiting for an autopsy on her husband, Antony, who was killed by Johnston County deputies on Jan. 25 following a mental health crisis. Her garage is still riddled with bullet holes, reminding her of the day he died.

“His feet were there, and his body was there,” Richardson said pointing to the floor of her garage.

Fentanyl-related deaths decline as trafficking routes remain a threat: sheriff’s office

Read the original article and watch the video on the WLOS ABC13News website.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Fentanyl-related deaths in Buncombe County have declined from a recent peak, but law enforcement officials say the drug continues to move into the community through established trafficking routes and remains a serious threat.

Data from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner shows Buncombe County recorded 66 fentanyl-positive deaths in 2025, down from 82 in 2024 and significantly lower than the peak of 144 deaths in 2022.

Emergency department data shows a similar trend. Buncombe County recorded 336 overdose-related emergency room visits in 2024, compared to 521 in 2023, according to state health data.

Still, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Chris Stockton said the presence of fentanyl remains widespread.

“It’s funneling in across Buncombe County. There’s not just one singular common spot. It can be anywhere,” Stockton said.

Stockton said what investigators see locally is tied to a broader supply chain driven by demand within the community.

*MARCH 31, 2026 – Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Chris Stockton said the presence of fentanyl remains widespread. (Photo: WLOS Staff)*

“You have local folks within the community that know of demand and they just source out to find folks who are eventually linked into much larger organizations,” Stockton said.

Those larger networks often begin outside western North Carolina.

“Most prevalent ones we’re seeing right now are starting at a port in either Charleston or Wilmington,” Stockton said. “They’ll make their way from there to Charlotte, Knoxville, and Atlanta, and from there into our community.”

Investigations into fentanyl cases can begin in several ways, including overdose calls, tips, or information from other agencies.

“All of the above,” Stockton said. “They can start with an overdose, a community complaint, or information from other agencies.”

While deaths have declined in recent years, Stockton said fentanyl remains especially dangerous compared to other drugs.

“With fentanyl specifically, it takes a very, very minute amount to bring very quick, sudden death,” he said. “That was not something that we dealt with 20 years ago.”

Stockton said recent declines in overdose deaths may be tied to factors such as increased availability of naloxone, improved training for recognizing overdoses and expanded response programs in Buncombe County. However, he said those improvements have not eliminated the problem.

*FILE – pictured fentanyl.{ } (Photo credit: Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office)*

“At the same time, those fatalities are tragically still happening very often,” he said.

Law enforcement officials also point to the overlap between drug trafficking and firearms as a continuing concern. Stockton said narcotics operations often involve weapons used to protect drugs and money, increasing the risk of violence.

Even with arrests and enforcement efforts, Stockton said the issue continues to evolve.

“Yes, we do see recidivism very commonly,” he said. “And at the same time, humans are very adaptational creatures. If I’m really good at something and I can make a lot of money doing it, it would take a very significant motivator for me to change my behavior.”

He added that there is no simple solution.

“There is no instant solution to that problem,” Stockton said. “As long as there is a demand, people will find a way to bring the supply.”

Caregivers charged after child tests positive for methamphetamine

Read the original article and watch the video on the WECT 6 News website.

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Two people have been arrested after a child was removed from a home deemed unsafe by the Columbus County Department of Social Services.

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said it is investigating a child endangerment case after a referral about suspected substance abuse.

CCSO officials said that Lynn Richardson and Katelynn Richardson, the primary caregivers, were charged with exposing a child to a controlled substance and exposing a child to a controlled substance by ingestion.

According to arrest warrants, the child was 6 years old. Investigators allege the child had ingested and been exposed to methamphetamine.

Both caregivers were arrested and are being held on a $35,000 secured bond each.

The incident remains under investigation, and officials said additional charges are possible pending further medical and forensic evaluations.

WNC couple charged after child tests positive for drugs, deputies say

Read the original article and watch the video on the FoxCarolina website.

MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. (FOX Carolina) – The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office reports a couple were arrested after child tested positive for drugs.

A detective spoke with 39-year-olds Preston and Bethany Hensley on Jan. 13 after a referral from the McDowell County Department of Social Services, officials said.

Deputies report an investigation led to the children in the Hensley’s home being tested for narcotics exposure. A search warrant was also executed at their residence in Marion before 17 grams of cocaine were located.

Preston & Bethany Hensley(McDowell County Sheriff’s Office)

The Hensley’s were both charged with exposing a child to a controlled substance, possession of cocaine and maintain a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substance.

Bethany was issued a $75,000 secured bond on the first charge and a $20,000 secured bond for the other two. Preston was initially denied bond for the first charge due to being out on pretrial release. He was issued a $25,000 bond for the other charges.

Deputies say 3-year-old exposed to meth & cocaine while in vehicle

Read the original article and watch the video on the WITN website.

CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – A Pamlico County man and woman are in jail under multi-million dollar bonds after their arrest on Wednesday for drug trafficking.

The Neuse River Narcotics Task Force stopped a vehicle on U.S. 70 near the Tuscarora Rhems Road exit.

Inside were Choncey Sawyer, Jenna Barnes, and a three-year-old child, along with fentanyl and cocaine, according to deputies.

Sawyer, 34, of Bayboro, is charged with two felony counts trafficking fentanyl, felony conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sale, & deliver fentanyl, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sale, & deliver cocaine, felony maintaining a vehicle for sale of controlled substance, and felony exposing a child to control substances.

The 30-year-old Barnes, of Grantsboro, is charged with two felony counts trafficking fentanyl, felony conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sale, & deliver fentanyl, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sale, & deliver cocaine, felony maintaining a vehicle for sale of controlled substance, and felony exposing a child to control substances.

The two were charged under a new law that makes it a felony for anyone to allow someone under 16 to be exposed to drugs.

Sawyer, who was already awaiting trial on other drug charges, was given a $4-million bond, while Barnes is being held on a $2-million bond.

The child was turned over to family members, according to deputies.

All school buses in Nash County to be equipped emergency overdose kits, district says

The district said the investment, which is around $21,435.60, was made possible through the support of the county, the Nash County Board of Commissioners, the Nash County Opioid Settlement Advisory Council and the C.A.R.E. Coalition.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of a drug overdose when administered quickly. It comes in two main forms: an injection and a nasal spray. Each school bus will have one ONEbox that contains naloxone and simple video instructions to guide people to use it in an emergency.

“Equipping all 115 Nash County Public School buses with life-saving naloxone and ONEbox overdose response kits demonstrates proactive leadership and a deep investment in protecting children and families across our county,” the district’s transportation leaders said. “This initiative is not just about preparation; it is about prevention, awareness, and ensuring that life-saving tools are accessible when seconds matter most.”

Naloxone is now widely carried by first responders and police. Distribution efforts have also helped make the medication available to community partners. Interim Nash Couty Health Director Liz Lord, who wasn’t invovled in the school bus rollout, said it’s important to make sure the kits are in place as soon as possible.

“Hopefully, they’ll never crack one open on a bus, but if they do need one, it’s there,” Lord said.

The expansion into Nash County schools marks further expansion to make naloxone available for students in recent years. In 2024, the Wake County Public School System approved a plan to train staff on administering naloxone, and student groups across the state have asked state leaders to have wellness teams ready to intervene when they see a problem.

Michael Baier, the school district’s director of transportation, said the investment helps him make sure that every child gets to and from school safely.

“We are extremely thankful for Nash County’s support in making this possible,” Baier said. “By equipping all 115 buses with Naloxone and ONEbox kits, we are strengthening our emergency preparedness and reinforcing our commitment to protecting the students entrusted to our care.”

Nash County Public Schools took time to train bus drivers around the district to make sure they know how to use the kits. In 2025, the county provided training to 132 bus drivers and monitors in the district on recognizing the warning signs of an overdose and how to properly administer Naloxone.

Ayone Cooper, a parent with three kids in the school district, said she’s split on the decision. While she sees the benefits of having naloxone on hand, she worries the overdose reversal drug could encourage risky behavior in some children.

“It’s just like you look at it as a child that has an allergy, you know, you want an EpiPen, you want to have access to that EpiPen, and you want to save that child’s life,” Cooper said. “If this were to happen on a school bus, what would we do? We want to save that child’s life.”

WRAL Investigates: Opioid overdoses, fentanyl deaths decrease for second straight year in Triangle

An analysis of state health data shows that opioid overdose hospitalizations have decreased by more than 20% in the last year, marking two consecutive years of declining emergency department visits in North Carolina.

“I’m excited to see the decreases continue,” says Tyler Yates, State Opioid Coordinator with DHHS’ Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. “Not long after the action plan was put into play in 2017, we saw some decreases right away and then COVID happened. Overdose deaths skyrocketed.”

Read the complete of the article on the WRAL News website.

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More drugs, fewer weapons found in schools, crime data shows

More than 99% of students were not involved in a reportable crime on campus, said Michael Maher, chief accountability officer for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Most schools reported only zero to five criminal offenses at their school last year, he said.

Criminal offenses went down again in North Carolina schools during the 2024-25 school year, with another significant drop in offenses for weapon possession, new data shows.

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released the latest public school crime statistics during the State Board of Education meeting on Wednesday.

The drop in criminal offenses reported reflects ongoing trends, but so does a continued rise in offenses for drug possession.

Total offenses dropped from 12,212 the year before to 11,470 offenses last year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, which released the data Wednesday afternoon.