Overdose News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

New website shows where Naloxone access falls short

Narcan has reversed countless overdoses. WRAL News looks at a new tool helping connect more people to the spray.

"Every life is worth saving": How a UNC researcher's website is connecting communities to naloxone

Delesha Carpenter's personal tragedy has fueled her mission to combat opioid overdoses through increased naloxone access. Her new website with UNC maps naloxone availability across NC's 100 counties.

R. Kelly legal team says overdose was part of assassination attempt

R. Kelly's legal team says his safety is at risk after he was hospitalized in what they call an assassination attempt by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

R. Kelly hospitalized after alleged overdose in prison

Court documents state R. Kelly was rushed to Duke University Hospital on June 13 after allegedly overdosing on medications while incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institute in Butner.

Judge denied request to release R. Kelly after alleged overdose that sent him to Duke Hospital

Court documents state R. Kelly was rushed to Duke University Hospital on June 13 after allegedly overdosing on medications while incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institute in Butner.

How much to fight fentanyl: Stein asks for special unit funded by state budget

As North Carolina battles the ongoing fentanyl crisis, Gov. Josh Stein calls for a dedicated unit to crack down on trafficking, despite an encouraging 30% drop in overdose deaths since 2023.

Edgecombe County paramedics warn about new drug detected in local pill supply

Edgecombe County paramedics are on high alert about carfentanil, a new highly potent synthetic opioid recently found in local pressed pill samples. Detected in April, the presence of carfentanil--though only comprising two percent of the pills--poses a significant overdose risk.

Woman charged after 11-month-old child overdoses on fentanyl, cocaine

According to court documents, 28-year-old Alyssa Washington intentionally left a straw containing fentanyl and cocaine in reach of her 11-month-old baby.

Union County opens autopsy center to help address medical examiner backlog

Investigations of overdose deaths lead to more autopsy requests, straining the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. But Union County has a unique solution.

As ODs strain medical examiners, one county opens autopsy center to hasten justice

Investigations of overdose deaths lead to more autopsy requests, straining the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. But one county has a unique solution.

An Overdose Antidote Becomes a Tricky Issue at Some Nightclubs

NEW YORK -- On a Thursday night in October, Ryan Carlos set off the metal detectors at the door of Brooklyn Steel, a popular music venue in Williamsburg. A security guard pulled him aside, patted him down and instructed him to turn out his pockets.

Stefano Montali, New York Times

NC data shows decline in overdose deaths

North Carolina has experienced a significant decline in suspected overdose deaths, with 224 fatalities reported in September 2024, compared to 353 in September 2023. While health experts are investigating potential factors behind this decrease, overdose deaths remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.

NC sees big drop in overdose deaths compared to previous year

North Carolina has experienced a significant decline in suspected overdose deaths, with 224 fatalities reported in September 2024, compared to 353 in September 2023. While health experts are investigating potential factors behind this decrease, overdose deaths remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Operation Vapor Trail: Task force raids businesses in crackdown on illegal vape stores in Cumberland, Robeson

The operation, which targeted 107 vape stores across both counties, aims to seize products with THC levels above 0.3%, which is illegal in North Carolina.

Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter

Man connected to fentanyl overdose death of Wilson teen appears in court on Tuesday

The man accused of killing a teenager through fentanyl distribution appeared in court on Tuesday in Wilson County. Albert Wilson Green, 23, appeared before a judge on Tuesday. In May, authorities charged Green in connection to the 2023 death of a 17-year-old in Wilson.

Destinee Patterson, WRAL reporter

Man arrested for selling drugs linked to 2023 overdose in Carrboro

Jerimiah Hargrove, 20, of Selma, is charged with death by distribution and selling a Schedule II controlled substance.

WRAL Staff

Raleigh mother and unborn child's suspected fentanyl deaths a dark reminder of drug's pull

Newly-released warrants reveal a Raleigh mother and her unborn baby were among the latest overdose cases as they each died from fentanyl overdoses. The latest data serves as a warning for parents.

Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter

2 Narcan vending machines now available in Durham

Durham has installed two Narcan vending machines as part of a broader effort to make treatment for drug overdoses more accessible.

Two Narcan vending machines in Durham used to combat drug overdoses

Durham has installed two Narcan vending machines as part of a broader effort to make treatment for drug overdoses more accessible.

Kelsey Coffey, WRAL reporter

Man charged in connection to fatal overdose at Raleigh nightclub

Luis Baez-Roman was arrested after someone died from an overdose that stemmed from a drug sale at a Raleigh nightclub, according to authorities.

Man charged with selling drugs after fatal overdose at Raleigh nightclub

Luis Baez-Roman was arrested and charged with trafficking schedule I, possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintain vehicle for the distribution of controlled substances.

Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter

How naloxone works in the brain to reverse overdose

Naloxone - or Narcan - which reverses the effects of an overdose is coming to every Wake County school this year. WRAL Investigates' Grace Hayba explains how it works to fight back against fentanyl.

Opioid overdose shuts down lungs, brain. Here's how Narcan is reversing fentanyl's grip on North Carolina

Overdose deaths is a widespread problem North Carolinians have been struggling to combat in recent years.

Grace Hayba, WRAL health reporter

Inside your body: Opioid overdose and reversal

Fentanyl overdose slows respiration, depriving the brain of oxygen. Nalozone blocks opioid receptors in the brain to reverse the effects of an overdose.

On WRAL at 6: WRAL Investigates a lifesaving medication for a devasting epidemic

There are roughly 11 drug overdose deaths every day in North Carolina. WRAL Investigates what makes fentanyl so deadly, and the science behind a fast-acting drug that is saving lives. Plus a local teen's fast action helped to save a life... "If we weren't there, he probably would've died."