By Janet Arnold
The Outer Banks Life contributor Janet Arnold recently had the privilege of sitting down with Wally Overman, Co-Chair of the Saving Lives Task Force (SLTF), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to addressing substance use issues in Dare County.
The Saving Lives Task Force is made up of professionals and community members working together to prevent substance use disorders, increase access to treatment and recovery services, and provide education and support for individuals and families affected by addiction. Through outreach, harm reduction programs, community partnerships, and public education, the organization continues to be a vital resource for residents across the Outer Banks.
Below is Janet’s interview with Wally, offering insight into the work of the Task Force and important information that may help you or someone you love.
What services or resources does the Task Force currently provide?
“The Saving Lives Task Force provides services in four primary areas of focus: prevention, recovery and treatment, harm reduction and diversion, and awareness and education,” Overman explained.
The organization maintains an easy-to-navigate website, Saving Lives Task Force OBX, where residents can find information on local services and support resources available throughout Dare County.
In addition, the Task Force publishes a quarterly newsletter called The Initiative, which highlights upcoming events and community resources, including organizations such as Breaking Through Task Force, OBX Nar-Anon, Alcoholics Anonymous, NAMI, and Narcotics Anonymous.
How does harm reduction play a role in your work, and what does that look like in practice?
“Harm reduction plays a central role in our work by focusing on reducing the negative consequences of substance use while meeting people where they are,” said Overman. “It is a practical, compassionate approach that prioritizes safety, health, and connection to services, even if someone is not yet ready or able to stop using substances entirely.”
In practice, harm reduction includes distributing and training people to use Naloxone to reverse overdoses, providing fentanyl and xylazine test strips, offering syringe exchange services to reduce the spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C, and connecting individuals to treatment options including medication-assisted recovery programs.
The Task Force partners with the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services to operate a mobile recovery unit that travels throughout Dare County distributing harm reduction supplies, educational materials, and recovery resources. Along with Naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, and syringe exchange services, the unit also provides information about treatment and recovery options. When available, food and basic necessities are distributed as well.
“Our goal is to reduce overdose deaths and disease transmission while building trust and creating pathways to long-term recovery and support,” Overman said.
What misconceptions do people often have about harm reduction or your organization?
“One common misconception about harm reduction is that it replaces accountability or discourages treatment,” Overman explained. “In reality, harm reduction is focused on keeping people safe, healthy, and connected to support services while reducing the immediate risks associated with substance use.”
He noted that many individuals who initially seek harm reduction services later turn to the same organizations and staff for assistance entering treatment or recovery programs.
“Building trust and reducing harm can be an important first step toward long-term change,” he said.
Overman also acknowledged that when the Task Force first introduced needle exchange programs, there were concerns within the community.
“I had questions about it myself at first,” he admitted. “However, after learning more about the research and public health outcomes, it became clear that syringe exchange programs play a critical role in reducing the spread of bloodborne diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and Hepatitis B.”
Over time, greater understanding of these public health benefits has helped shift community perceptions about the importance of harm reduction.
Have you seen a shift in community attitudes toward your work over time?
“There has been a dramatic shift in community attitudes toward the work of the Saving Lives Task Force since we began in 2014,” Overman said.
He recalled that in the early days, many residents questioned whether substance use was even a serious issue in Dare County. Through years of outreach, education, and community conversations, public awareness has steadily grown.
One major turning point came through a three-part investigative series published by the Outer Banks Sentinel focused on substance use within the community.
“I encouraged the paper to take on the project, although there was understandable hesitation at first,” Overman shared. “The series helped reveal the true scope of illicit drug use in Dare County and brought the issue into public view in a way that resonated with many residents.”
The Sentinel later received national recognition for the series, which Overman believes played a key role in helping the community better understand the seriousness of substance abuse and the need for action.
What obstacles does the Task Force face in carrying out its mission?
“One of the greatest challenges we face is staying informed about the constantly changing drug landscape and helping educate the community about emerging substances appearing in our area,” Overman explained.
While many residents are now familiar with substances such as fentanyl, xylazine, and kratom, new compounds continue to emerge. Most recently, medetomidine, a powerful sedative increasingly found mixed with other drugs, has become a growing concern.
“It often feels as though new substances are appearing faster than communities and public health systems can keep up,” he said.
Many of these substances are highly addictive and potentially fatal, especially when combined with other drugs, increasing both their potency and unpredictability. Some also do not respond well to Naloxone, making overdoses more difficult to reverse.
“Educating the public, first responders, families, and healthcare providers about these evolving dangers remains one of the most important parts of our work,” Overman added.
Are there gaps in funding, resources, or awareness that you’re hoping to address?
Overman explained that Dare County has benefited from opioid settlement funding in recent years, with those funds supporting a variety of prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction initiatives recommended by the Task Force.
These recommendations are developed in partnership with the Dare County Board of Commissioners and guided by annual stakeholder surveys designed to identify the community’s most urgent needs.
“At the same time, the need for services and resources continues to exceed the funding available each year,” he said.
As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), the Saving Lives Task Force welcomes donations from individuals and organizations wishing to support its mission. All funding is managed and audited through the county to ensure transparency and accountability.
What is the best way someone can contact you if they are seeking help?
The Saving Lives Task Force can be reached by email at info@savinglivesobx.com or by phone at (252) 475-5026.
Individuals interested in harm reduction or peer support services through Dare County Department of Health & Human Services can email RecoveryServices@darenc.gov or call (252) 473-7923.
Anyone experiencing a crisis situation can contact Mobile Crisis at 866-437-1821 or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
For more information and available resources, visit Saving Lives Task Force OBX.
The Outer Banks Life encourages people to reach out to the Saving Lives Task Force for help, support, or education regarding substance use and recovery resources. Whether you are personally struggling, concerned about a loved one, or simply want to learn more about how to help your community, the Saving Lives Task Force is there to provide guidance, compassion, and connection to valuable resources. By starting the conversation and seeking support, you could be helping to save lives and shine a light where there is darkness.
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