CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (April 24, 2025) – The Carteret County Health Department (CCHD) Post Overdose Response Team (PORT), in partnership with Hope Mission of Coastal Carolina, will host the "Safe Summer Cookout" on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Carteret County Health Department in Morehead City. The event coincides with National Fentanyl Awareness Day and aims to educate the community on the dangers of fentanyl while offering support to families affected by substance use.

Attendees can enjoy free hamburgers, hot dogs and refreshments while connecting with local resources on substance use prevention, treatment programs and support services. The event will also feature raffle prizes, informative demonstrations of Narcan administration by Carteret County Emergency Services, and powerful personal stories from individuals whose lives have been impacted by substance use. In addition to these offerings, the event will include special guest speakers.

“We recognize the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and providing support for those affected by substance use,” said Brooke Barnhill, PORT team manager at CCHD. “The ‘Safe Summer Cookout’ provides an opportunity for our community to come together, learn and support each other in combating substance use disorder.”

The PORT team is available seven days a week at 252-247-1129 to assist individuals seeking treatment options. In case of a suspected overdose, call 911 immediately.

Resource providers interested in participating should contact Barnhill by noon on April 25 at 252-247-1129 or brooke.barnhill@carteretcountync.gov.

For more information on combating substance use disorder, visit the CDC website. To learn about Carteret County's efforts against the opioid epidemic, visit carteretcountync.gov/2259/Carteret-CARES. Additional details on National Fentanyl Awareness Day can be found at fentanylawarenessday.org/.

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