From the Desk of the County Manager - May 23, 2025
Hello, Durham County residents.
My name is Jaeson Smith, and I serve as the Opioid Settlement Program Manager for Durham County. I’m writing today with a message that is both urgent and hopeful. The opioid crisis is impacting lives across our community, and for many of us, it’s not a distant issue. It’s deeply personal.
That includes me. I have loved ones who’ve been directly affected by opioid use. Their struggles have shaped how I approach this work, not just as a public health professional, but as a relative and friend. Before coming to Durham, I spent years in both East and West Baltimore, riding the needle exchange van, and witnessing firsthand the toll of addiction and the power of compassion.
Whether you’ve lost someone, are supporting a loved one in recovery, or are on your journey, please know: you are not alone, and Durham County is here to help.
Understanding the Crisis: Opioids, while useful in pain management, carry a high risk of dependence and overdose when misused. In Durham, we’ve seen the tragic consequences of rising overdose calls, families torn apart, and growing needs for treatment and support.
Behind every number is a person. This isn’t just a public health crisis, it’s a community crisis.
What We’re Doing About It: Thanks to national opioid settlement funding and strong partnerships, Durham County is taking coordinated action:
- Expanding access to treatment and recovery services
- Distributing naloxone (Narcan) to reverse overdoses
- Supporting harm reduction tools like syringe access and medication disposal
- Partnering with schools, health systems, and local organizations
- Centering the voices of those with lived experience
We’re also offering trainings, engaging in community events, and planning listening sessions because healing begins with connection.
Five Ways You Can Help: Each of us has a role in fighting the opioid crisis. Here are a few ways you can take action:
- Carry naloxone
- Available for free at the pharmacy at the Durham County Human Services building at 414 East Main Street, Durham, NC 27701, 1st floor, Lobby 3. Additionally, vending machines that dispense free naloxone kits have been placed in the lobbies of the Human Services building and the Durham County Detention Facility at 219 S Mangum Street, Durham, NC 27701.
- Dispose of unused medications safely at drop-off sites
- Attend a training or community meeting
- Support someone in recovery, just listening can make a difference
- Share resources - you never know who may need them
Where to Find Help
- Durham County Resource Guide – English | Spanish
- A comprehensive guide to free and low-cost treatment, housing, harm reduction services, naloxone access, and more.
- Peer Support (CLC Program)
- Connect with trained Peer Support Specialists who offer support with recovery, harm reduction, housing, and navigating services. Call 919-695-3246 or 919-560-7305.
- Medication Disposal
- Safely dispose of unused medications at permanent drop boxes or during community take-back events. Learn more at Operation Medicine Drop or call 919-560-7765.
- Durham Joins Together to Save Lives Task Force
- Learn how local leaders and organizations are addressing the opioid crisis through education, prevention, and policy. Learn more here.
- Trainings & Webinars
- Attend free educational sessions hosted by the Durham County Department of Public Health on harm reduction, recovery, and reducing stigma.
- Additional Resources
- For statewide programs, advocacy, and support, visit:
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: This crisis thrives in silence. But in Durham, we believe in showing up, speaking out, and building a stronger future together.
Join us at our Annual Community Meeting on Thursday, June 5, at 5:30 p.m. in the BOCC Chambers, to hear about our work and share your input. Your voice matters!
To everyone reading this: thank you for caring, for learning, and for being part of the solution. There’s more work to do, but I truly believe our community has the strength and compassion to lead the way.
Stay informed. Stay connected. And never hesitate to ask for help.
With gratitude,
Jaeson Smith, MPH, MBA | Opioid Settlement Program Manager