IVP Branch: Overdose Data
Deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department (ED) visits due to medication or drug overdose, have become a growing public health concern nationally and in North Carolina.
Historically, prescription opioids have been a major driver of this epidemic. However, illicit drugs are now contributing to this problem in increasing numbers. The majority of overdose deaths now involve illicit opioids like heroin or fentanyl, a synthetic narcotic. The number of overdose deaths involving stimulants is also on the rise.
This webpage includes statewide summary data, a link to the state’s Opioid and Substance Use Action Plan Data Dashboard, monthly data updates, and county-level data. Please contact us with questions or data requests. Visit the DHHS Overdose Epidemic website for more information on preventing overdose deaths in North Carolina.
NC Summary Data
- State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) Fact Sheet - New! 5/11/2021
- The SU/MH During COVID-19 fact sheet provides information on public health trends for substance use and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Updated 04/04/21
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Core Overdose Data Slides November 2020 (PPTX, 8.64 MB) Updated 04/16/21
- NC Overdose Data: Trends and Surveillance is a recorded presentation of core overdose data.
- The Medication and Drug Overdose Fact Sheet (PDF, 361 KB) provides a snapshot of medication and drug overdose deaths. Updated 04/16/21
- The Opioid-involved Overdoses Fact Sheet provides information specific to the opioid epidemic. Updated 04/15/21
NC Opioid and Substance Use Action Plan Data Dashboard - Updated Quarterly
- Data dashboard to track and monitor the NC Opioid and Substance Use Action Plan metrics; data available for the state and individual counties.
- North Carolina’s Opioid and Substance Use Action Plan
County Overdose Slide Sets - Updated 05/23/22
Click below to download your counties overdose slide set. Please read the speaking and technical notes prior to using, found here.
If you find yourself needing a PowerPoint presentation, please email us at SubstanceUseData@dhhs.nc.gov.
NC DETECT Overdose Surveillance Reports - Updated Monthly
Opioid Overdose ED Visits
- We are unable to update these reports at this time; however you can contact us at SubstanceUseData@dhhs.nc.gov if you need your county report.
Overdose ED Visits Involving Medication or Drug with Potential for Dependency
- We are unable to update these reports at this time; however you can contact us at SubstanceUseData@dhhs.nc.gov if you need your county report.
OCME Suspected Overdose Deaths Report - Updated Monthly
OCME Fentanyl-Positive Deaths - Updated Monthly
EMS Encounters for Suspected Opioid Overdose Reports
Due to data quality issues, these reports are on pause. Stay tuned for additional updates.
County-Level Overdose Data Tables
See the dashboard below for data on various types of poisoning at the county level. Please see the North Carolina Overdose Surveillance Definitions (PDF, 282 KB) table for a detailed description of case definitions for each type of poisoning. All tables contain the most recent 10 years of data. If additional years of data are needed, please send a request.
- To navigate the dashboard, use the filter boxes at the bottom of the tables.
- The Source box allows you to switch between deaths, hospitalizations, Emergency Department, and population data.
- The View by County box will show all drug categories statewide, or by county selected.
- The View by Drug will show one drug category for all counties. When viewing the tables by drug, make your desired choices in the Intent and Drug boxes. This will display all 100 counties and state data.
- Use the Page navigator box in the bottom right to flip through all pages of data.
- If you wish to view data for only one county, change the View by County or Drug box to county, make your selections in the Intent and County boxes, and make sure the Page navigator box is set to page 1.
- Tables can be downloaded using the download icon below right of the data table.
- Please contact us with any questions.
Last Modified: 6-16-2022