Substance use disorder (SUD) remains a significant public health challenge in North Carolina, with overdose deaths more than tripling in a 13-year timespan from 1,222 in 2010 to 4,188 in 2023.1 In Robeson County alone, the overdose death rate reached 91.1 per 100K individuals in 2023, one of the highest in the state and a 386.36% increase from 2011.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina has been working with the humanitarian organization Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) to address challenges and improve health outcomes for individuals experiencing SUD events. Originally established in response to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, CORE has expanded globally to address the needs of vulnerable communities impacted by natural disasters, public health emergencies and social crises.2
Collaborative Community Impact
UHC and CORE are working to close the gap between acute SUD events and initiation of treatment, offering hope and resources to affected individuals. Our multi-year collaboration is part of UnitedHealthcare’s Collaborative Community Impact program, utilizing a model of engagement that brings together cross-sector partners to address health inequities and foster sustainable, community-centric solutions to local needs.
At the individual level, the program assesses health-related social needs and provides navigation and follow-up support to ensure a smooth transition to treatment. At the community level, it focuses on raising awareness, reducing stigma and equipping communities with tools and knowledge to better support individuals recovering from SUD.
Program outcomes
One of the most vulnerable timeframes for individuals experiencing SUD and opioid use disorders (OUD) is the interval between an acute overdose event and subsequent outpatient/inpatient treatment. This period often lacks sufficient community resources and support, creating barriers to recovery.
Understanding client needs is a cornerstone of successful SUD recovery efforts. In 2024, UHC and CORE collected pre/post treatment assessments, distributed Naloxone baseline knowledge questionnaires and conducted opioid stigma pre/post surveys.
Throughout the year, the collaboration made a measurable impact:
- Training initiatives: 807 participants across 29 training sessions gained essential skills and knowledge to address SUD events. Participants included churches, first responders, community college personnel and local businesses.
- Engagement in local events: The collaboration resulted in participation in 26 local events, directly serving 36 participants with SUD who received connection to treatment and assistance with social needs.
- Connection to treatment: Of the 36 clients served from April 2023 to September 2024, 74% received some form of outpatient, short-term or long-term treatment.
- Enhanced resources: The collaboration expanded peer support resources, fostering a stronger network of recovery advocates.
By improving community awareness and support resources for individuals experiencing an SUD event through local collaboration, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina aims to improve North Carolinians’ health outcomes.
