Recovery Together ENC Expands Overdose Response Efforts with Community One Box Training
Recovery Together ENC recently hosted a collaborative training event to distribute lifesaving One Boxes to local organizations, hoping to strengthen community response to opioid response overdose. These emergency kits provide simple, step-by-step guidance for reversing an opioid overdose and are designed to empower everyday citizens to act quickly during a crisis.
Until recently, opioid-related deaths exceeded even heart attacks in the United States. Although fatalities have begun to decline, community education continues to play a critical role in saving lives. This is in part due to increased access to naloxone.
One Boxes, developed by R-3 Rapid Risk Reduction, are innovative emergency response stations requiring no prior training. Community members can open the box, follow the instructional video, and immediately take action to reverse an overdose. Jeff Hill, Chief Performance Officer at R-3, led the recent training, ensuring participants are now prepared to respond effectively in an emergency.
The One Boxes distributed at the training were donated through a partnership between Cry Freedom Ministries and The Rotary Club of Kinston. Cry Freedom Ministries works to reach, rescue, and restore survivors of human trafficking as well as individuals impacted by substance use disorder and other life-controlling challenges. The nonprofit operates two residential safe houses and a community outreach center offering essential resources, services, and support.
Mary Catherine Kelly, Director of Public Relations for Cry Freedom Ministries, selected Recovery Together ENC as the recipient of the One Boxes, describing the RTENC Center as the “boots on the ground in Kinston.” Located at the corner of North and McLewean Streets, the RTENC Center serves as a one stop hub for recovery, harm reduction, and reentry services. Individuals can access GED preparation, workforce reentry support, adult employability classes, recovery groups, 12-step meetings and case management and referral. The RTENC Center is part of the Community Recovery Division of the Lenoir County Health Department, in partnership with the Greene County Department of Public Health.
The initial distribution prioritizes community programs that are frequently in direct contact with individuals at heightened risk of overdose. Looking ahead, Recovery Together ENC plans to expand One Box availability throughout Lenoir and Greene counties. Increasing access to overdose response tools, along with continued community dialogue will help save lives and reduce stigma.
The Recovery Together ENC Center is part of the Lenoir County Health Department’s Community Recovery Division. The CRD is a partnership between Lenoir and Greene Counties.
For more information about the Recovery Together ENC Center, naloxone distribution and education, contact:
Colleen Kosinski, Community Liaison
Phone: 252-620-4979
