Cabarrus County, NC
Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County
north carolina
Suburban | Population: 358,541This project serves Cabarrus and Rowan counties in North Carolina, a region encompassing both suburban and rural communities with a combined population of 358,541. The region has been disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic. In 2022, Cabarrus County reported 74 opioid overdose deaths and 336 opioid overdose ED visits, while Rowan County’s overdose death rate soared to 82 per 100,000, among the highest in the state. Statewide, North Carolina experienced a record 4,310 overdose deaths in 2022, with fentanyl involved in the vast majority. ED visit rates for opioid overdose in both counties continue to outpace the state average, and community naloxone reversals are significantly more frequent locally.
Transforming Lives Through Access to Medication-Assisted Treatment
The Cabarrus Health Alliance (CHA), leads the RISE Program to expand access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals in the community being released from jail, and during the reentry period. Through MAT services, personalized recovery planning, and connections to comprehensive behavioral health treatment, the RISE Program supports successful reintegration and promotes long-term recovery.
153
clients served by rise since grant period began
The program integrates overdose prevention education and naloxone distribution to all participants. Peer support specialists play a critical role, engaging clients in the detention center and post-release to provide ongoing support and connection to services. In addition, peers work with clients who are at risk for incarceration to develop recovery plans and to establish recovery capital. The initiative also assists clients with accessing Medicaid or private insurance to ensure continued access to treatment, medication, and healthcare, critical factors in preventing relapse and promoting sustained recovery.
Key Components of the Rise Program
Medication-Assisted Treatment and Overdose Prevention Services
0
fatal overdoses recorded among clients who received two or more visits
The RISE Program provides comprehensive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services in a wellness-based clinic setting. These services include the continuation of existing buprenorphine prescriptions for individuals already engaged in treatment, as well as new buprenorphine inductions for those beginning their recovery journey. To further reduce the risk of overdose, the program incorporates overdose prevention education and distributes naloxone to all participants. This dual approach, combining MAT with overdose prevention, ensures continuity of care, supports sustained recovery, and enhances the safety and well-being of individuals.
Community-Based Substance Use Screening and Treatment Services
The RISE Program expanded access to community-based substance use services by building on existing partnerships from CHA’s perinatal program. The initiative increased visibility and engagement by co-locating with trusted programs and using familiar, community-friendly branding. A simple postcard with a single phone number was developed to make accessing services easy and approachable.
“Our relationship with law enforcement and the detention center has been phenomenal. We’re now in the detention center providing behavioral health services, peer support, case management, medication for opioid use disorder, and reentry support.”
—Sonja Bohannon-Thacker, Project Director
Cross-Agency Collaboration
Program success hinges on strong partnerships and cross-agency collaboration, which have expanded access to essential services within the detention center and throughout the community.
46%
client retention rate for individuals remaining in the program 1 year or longer
Conclusion
The Cabarrus Health Alliance’s RISE Program leverages strategic partnerships, a flexible harm reduction model, and strong community collaboration to expand access to buprenorphine, support client recovery, and strengthen relationships with law enforcement. Grounded in a person-centered approach, RISE offers flexible care that meets clients where they are. The program continues to enhance treatment capacity and sustain critical services that promote continuity of care, enhanced public safety, and long-term recovery success.
Collaborative Partnerships
Cabarrus Health Alliance
Cabarrus County Detention Center
Cabarrus County Community Paramedics
The Suda Institute
Southern Health Partners
Project Director
Sonja Bohannon-Thacker, Program Manager
Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County
sonja.bohannonthacker@cabarrushealth.org
704-920-1323
This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA23GK02258COAP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.