North Carolina Launches Campaign To Combat Opioid Crisis

Government and health care officials have kicked off a statewide campaign aimed at combatting a growing opioid crisis.

North Carolina has teamed up with the state's two largest health care companies and dozens of other groups to introduce a program called More Powerful NC.

The $2.5 million public awareness campaign will utilize TV, radio and billboards statewide to deliver its message.

The program was launched Thursday by Attorney General Josh Stein, Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, and other officials.

Stein told The News and Observer that the opioid crisis is the deadliest drug epidemic in U.S. history, and is impacting families across North Carolina.

Most of the funding for the advertising campaign is coming from private sources, including Charlotte-based Atrium Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Another $365,000 will be provided from state and federal money allocated for opioid-related programs.