More people die in North Carolina of an accidental drug overdose than from any other cause of accidental death. A major driver of these preventable deaths is the persistent lack of access to medical care for people with substance use disorder (SUD) – a crisis fueled by stigma and discrimination across the healthcare system.

Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC) launched the Substance Use Disorder Healthcare Project in 2023 to confront this injustice head-on. In just two years, our small but determined team has made a statewide impact - securing life-saving accommodations, restoring care, and challenging unlawful discrimination in hospitals, pharmacies, treatment facilities, recovery courts, and more.

DRNC has trained thousands and advocated for individuals across North Carolina enforcing the rights of people with SUD under federal disability law. Our work is powered by the trust we've built within harm reduction and treatment communities - trust that has led to a steady stream of clients and the beginning of systemic change in how people with SUD are treated in the medical field.

But without renewed funding, this critical work may come to a halt. We need your partnership to keep the momentum going. Your support will help ensure that this progress continues to provide people with SUD with information and zealous advocacy as they face barriers to basic care.

Join us in making North Carolina a leader in healthcare equity for people with SUD.

To learn more or connect with our team, contact us at sud@disabilityrightsnc.org.

Access for All: DRNC's SUD Healthcare Fund