State updates strategy to help dentists combat opioid misuse
An updated North Carolina Dental Opioid Action Plan was released this week by the state Department of Health and
opioids
Walmart offers to pay $3.1 billion to settle opioid lawsuits
The retail giant becomes the latest major player in the drug industry to announce a plan to settle lawsuits filed by state and local governments over the toll of opioids sold at its pharmacies.
CDC issues new opioid prescribing guidance, giving doctors more leeway to treat pain
The updated recommendations seek to course correct after guidelines from 2016 were criticized for harshly limiting access to needed pain medication.
Overdose-reversing drug now available from free vending machine in Forsyth
Forsyth County health officials have added a vending machine at the county detention center that offers the overdose-reversing drug Narcan (Naloxone).
North Carolina is adding funding to help those battling opioid addiction
North Carolina is putting more funding toward expanding treatment for those battling opioid addiction.
CDC weighs new opioid prescribing guidelines amid controversy over old ones
Many blame the agency's earlier guidance for suffering and even suicide risk among chronic pain patients. Critics say the updated advice may not fix the problem.
Corporate opioid payouts now being finalized would top $32 billion
Companies at the center of the deadly prescription opioid epidemic are close to deals that would cap their liability while funding drug treatment and recovery programs.
Philanthropic organization contributes $50 million for NC fight against opioid abuse
A nonprofit is investing $120 million in North Carolina and four other states to help address the opioid epidemic.