A new report from the Centers for Disease Control shows heroin use is on the rise across the nation. That’s true in Orange County too.

A recent undercover drug operation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office netted nearly 700 doses of heroin. Narcotics Investigator Brandon Wilkerson says he wasn’t surprised.

“It’s really not new; it’s becoming an epidemic along with the abuse of prescription medications,” says Wilkerson.

A study released Tuesday by the CDC shows heroin use increased 63 percent from 2002 through 2013. At the same time, the rate of heroin-related overdose deaths has quadrupled.

Researchers say the increase in usage affects men and women across a wide range of ages and income levels.

According to the report, heroin is cheaper, stronger and more readily available than in decades past, but what’s driving the demand is the popularity of prescription opiates.

CDC officials say states can address the problem by reducing the availability of opiate pain relievers and increasing access to medical insurance that covers treatment options.

States can also authorize law enforcement and medical personnel to carry naloxone, a drug that temporarily reverses opiate overdose.

Orange County was the first in North Carolina to issue naloxone kits to emergency responders following the passage of the state’s Good Samaritan law in 2013. The drug has already been used to save lives in Carrboro.

Wilkerson says Orange County deputies are training to use the kits as well.

“Starting in February this year, we actually have 15 deputies that have gone through the training,” says Wilkerson. “We’re still working on the naloxone kits and policies to implement that to be able to go out there and use it. We’re looking to get the whole department trained before the end of the year.”

In addition, the Orange County Health Department offers naloxone kits to friends and family members of those at risk of opiate overdose.

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