RALEIGH, N.C. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina took part in its first H.O.P.E. outreach event in support of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, 2026. U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle took the recommendation of the dedicated victim’s advocates to update the H.E.A.T. program to the Healing Opioid Prevention Education (H.O.P.E.) program. H.O.P.E. focuses on reducing the harm heroin and opiate abuse inflicted on North Carolina families by increasing community awareness of the epidemic. During the event, staff from the Eastern District actively engaged with the public to explain how heroin and opiate abuse continue to harm North Carolina families and communities. They spoke with attendees about the severity of the epidemic, shared firsthand knowledge from their work across the district, and emphasized the importance of community awareness and prevention. In addition to these conversations, staff members distributed valuable resources, connected individuals with supportive services, and offered guidance to those seeking help for themselves or loved ones. Their efforts ensured that community members left the event better informed, better equipped, and more empowered to confront the challenges posed by opioid abuse.The United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to supporting families and communities affected by opioids and individuals seeking treatment.For more information or assistance with the H.O.P.E. Program, please contact our office at USANCE-VictimAssista@usa.doj.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice