You probably know someone or have heard about someone who has struggled with opioid addiction.
What had been talked about privately before is now a public health epidemic in North Carolina and across the United States.
How did we get here? What can we all do to help?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to help – from funding for treatment and research partners, to working with members, providers and policy makers.
Consider the Impact in North Carolina, and Nationwide
Unintentional Opioid-related Overdose Rates Per 100,000 Persons (2010–2016)
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services
Percent of Members Who Filled at Least One Opioid Prescription in 2015
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
"Can't You Just Do it For Me? Just Quit, Dad!"
Aolani Donegan, a social media communications specialist at Blue Cross NC, shares the story of her father, who lost his battle with opioid addiction.
Learn About the Different Ways We're Helping
Support for Members Who Battle the Epidemic
- Promoting change through Prevention, Intervention and Treatment programs
- Working with Walgreens, NC Mutual and Inmar to install medication drop-off kiosks across North Carolina
Collaborating with Providers to Battle the Opioid Epidemic
- Developing and adopting policies and procedures to ensure safe prescribing of opioid medication
- Promoting awareness and education of opioid use disorder
- Updating policies for coverage and treatment
Working with Lawmakers to Address Opioids
- Encouraging well-informed public policies to prevent opioid misuse, abuse, fraud and diversion
- Advised the state Medical Board and legislature on key elements adopted into a state law called the STOP Act
Investing in the Community
- Supporting consumer drug take-back programs
- Funding training and treatment strategies for health professionals
- Collaborating in prevention outreach programs across the state
Blue Connect