LEADing the way: Jail diversion program aims to address opioid crisis
Between 1999 and 2016, more than 12,000 people in North Carolina died from opioid overdoses.
Not only are families losing their loved ones to the opioid crisis, but addiction is also placing a heavy burden on limited local resources. Drug-related crime has led to overcrowded jails, a backlogged court system and a spike in the number of children placed in the foster care system.