ROCKINGHAM — One group facing Richmond County’s opioid epidemic head-on has started an unpopular effort to help keep those on the streets a little safer.
Steve’s Wings for Humanity, which was granted its 501c3 nonprofit status last year, recently initiated a safe syringe program — trading dirty needles from those in active addiction with clean ones, to help prevent the spread of blood-borne diseases including HIV and hepatitis, and to prevent other illnesses like endocarditis.
“There is a high possibility that used syringes can lead to death, and the program can help save lives,” said Melissa Schoonover, who founded Steve’s Wings in 2020 following the death of a loved one by overdose.
Schoonover said she has worked with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and the N.C. Harm Reduction Coalition “to get the proper protocols in place to allow people in need to get the help needed.”
“I know there are a lot of mixed feelings about the program, because I used to have the same feelings,” Schoonover said. “Overdose death is bad enough in our county, but human beings should not have to suffer or pass away from a serious illness or infection due to a dirty syringe.”
According to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, Richmond County had the highest suspected overdose death rate in the state in 2024 — 99.2 per 100,000. The state average is 29.7.
Source: NCDHHS
The latest reports from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner indicate that there were 26 fentanyl-involved deaths in 2024, for a rate of 60.8 per 100,000 — also the highest of the state’s 100 counties.
The projected number of overdose deaths sits at 42, the same as in 2023. Richmond County saw a total of 231 deaths from 2011-2023, with the fewest (6) being in 2016.
Four contiguous counties along the U.S. 74 corridor are projected to have the highest rates for overdose emergency room visits:
Anson - 200.9 (44)
Richmond - 207.9 (88)
Scotland - 290.9 (100)
Robeson - 180.6 (212)
NOTE: Rates are per 100,000; figures in parenthesis are the actual number. Rate estimates are based on the number of visits in the first 3.5 months of the year.
The act of giving out syringes, Schoonover said, is seen by many as enabling.
County Commissioner Andy Grooms went on the record in 2023 saying that he would not support providing funds from the opioid settlements for any programs that involved giving out needles.
However, Schoonover said her views on the program changed after watching a loved one suffer from the effects of using dirty needles.
“We are by no means promoting drug use, but if a user is going to use, they will use anything they can get their hands on — even if it’s dirty,” she said. “It is not only an attempt to help those suffering from addiction, but to also help keep our community safer for our loved ones.”
Schoonover has lost several family members, including a son, to addiction.
Melissa Schoonover addresses the Richmond County Board of Commissioners at the May meeting.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
Speaking in front of the Richmond County Board of Commissioners on May 6, Schoonover said around 80 clients had been signed up for the program.
“I’ve actually made deals with them that if they were to collect as many syringes off the streets…where kids play…that I would keep the program going,” Schoonover said. “Since April 17, we’ve actually collected over 800 dirty syringes just from the streets alone.”
Those numbers are better than Schoonover predicted. She added that she’s getting back more than she’s giving out each day.
She also told commissioners that there were 10 who were preparing to seek treatment “because this program has helped them in a way to where they’ve actually been thinking … they feel like it’s actually a life-saver program.”
Schoonover invited commissioners to check out the program and see how it works and encouraged the county to take it over in the future.
Steve's Wings has been involved with numerous outreach efforts in the community, including hosting Operation Cleanup at Place of Grace last month. Schoonover said more than 150 people were served with clothing, haircuts and other services.
The group also hosts an annual memorial service for those lost to overdose.
For more information on the safe syringe program or to volunteer or donate, contact Schoonover by phone at 910-417-8740 or via email at steveswings7020@yahoo.com. There is also a Steve’s Wings 4 Humanity group on Facebook.
