Collected from reports by harm reductionists around the state.

Pharmacies:

A limited (but hopefully growing) list of pharmacies that are supposedly dispensing controlled substances:

  • Madison Pharmacy in Marshall
  • Mark’s Pharmacy in Waynesville
  • Kim’s Pharmacy in Waynesville

 

Open Pharmacies: EmergencyOperatingPharmaciesHelene (ncbop.org)

 

Per the NC Board of Pharmacy (“NCBOP”), the DEA has authorized the dispensing of emergency refills for schedule 3, schedule 4, and schedule 5 controlled substances without proper authorization in Helene-affected areas through November 3, 2024.  Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP):  Hurricane Helene Aftermath Information (memberclicks.net)

You can follow the above link to the language on the NCBOP website. Immediate recommendations we’ve received are literally printing that language out or save an image on your phone and physically show it to a pharmacist who is being difficult. Unfortunately, this does not necessarily help those who are trying to fill first-time prescriptions. In Buncombe County, folks can access buprenorphine induction through community paramedics. In other counties, the best approach is less clear.

Thankfully, a team of pharmacy students at UNC are systematically calling all operational pharmacies in the Helene-affected area to confirm who is dispensing controlled substances. Results from those efforts will be shared as soon as they are available.

 

Mental Health and Substance Use Supports:

  • All 27 Opioid Treatment programs (“OTP”) in the affected region are open.
    • Provided flexibility to allow individuals to receive treatment outside of their regular programs, called “Guest-Dosing,” ensuring individuals are able to get treatment no matter their location.
    • Connected shelters and nearby treatment centers to support individuals at shelters with needs.
    • All shelters have overdose rescue medications (such as naloxone).
  • Ensuring those affected by, and those assisting with, Hurricane Helene have the Behavioral Health resources they need:
    • Working with all shelters to provide Behavioral Health clinicians and mental health services.
    • 988 and the Peer Warm Line (1-855-PEERS NC; 1-855-733-7762) are ready for increased call volume.
    • NCDHHS will deploy mobile mental health units into the community as soon as we are able to, in coordination with NC Emergency Management.

 

MOUD in Shelters:

People in Shelters who are taking medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD): This is what DSS received about continuing folks on their MOUD.

“Dear county partners, we wanted to share the following guidance to assist individuals in shelters who may need continuation of medication for opioid use disorder:

 

  • Shelter staff should obtain the following information from each patient who needs continuation of medication for opioid use disorder:
    • Name
    • Date of Birth
    • Medication and dose
    • Name of patient’s current home clinic (or prescribing physician and medical practice, if receiving OBOT/office-based/prescription-based services)

 

  • Once this information is obtained, the shelter can contact Pam Morrison, Coordinator with the State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA), by phone at 919-594-3606 or email pamela.morrison@dhhs.nc.gov. If they are not able to reach Pam, they can call Anna Stanley, Coordinator with the SOTA at 984-289-1511. “

 

SSPs

The Western North Carolina AIDS Project’s (“WNCAP”) current SSP services:

  • Asheville office in Buncombe County is operational from Monday through Friday, from 11 AM to 3 PM. This began October 4th.
  • Franklin office in Macon County is operational from Monday to Friday, 12-4 PM.
  • Jackson County Mobile services are still running on Wednesdays 2-6 pm
  • Clay County and Graham County mobile services are currently suspended and they are working on assessing these locations with their partners and will come back online as soon as they are able.

Holler Harm Reduction

Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm

To contact them call or text 828-290-9066

 

Steady Collective:

  • Tuesdays: East: in front of Compass Point 201 Tunnel Road, Asheville 12-1:30pm
  • Wednesdays: Down: Sly Grog Parking Lot 271 Haywood ST. Asheville 10am-12:30pm
  • Fridays: WAVL: Next to China Taste: 202 State Street, Asheville 2-5pm

Supply drop locations (as needed)

  • Double Crown 375 Haywood Road, 1-6pm daily
  • Firestorm Books 1022 Haywood Rd, Asheville 12-4 daily

 

Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness

209 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805 – Monday -Friday 8AM-6PM