Press Release: Community Advocate Sounds Alarm on Fentanyl Crisis
Charlotte, N.C. — Union County District Attorney Trey Robison is raising urgent concerns over the ongoing fentanyl and opioid crisis in North Carolina, where an average of nine deaths from fentanyl overdoses occur daily, as reported by the State Bureau of Investigation. Local leaders, including Robison, emphasize that this epidemic profoundly affects communities across the Tar Heel State.
One advocate who has been vocal in this fight is Debbie Dalton, a mother who lost her son, Hunter, to a fentanyl overdose in 2016. Since then, Dalton has dedicated herself to raising awareness about the dangers of recreational drug use. Reminders of Hunter, a UNC Charlotte graduate with aspirational dreams, fill her home. Dalton reflects on the devastating moment she learned of her son’s overdose, saying, “I never could have fathomed the words that Hunter had overdosed. I just remember screaming.”
In honor of her son, she founded the Hunter Dalton HD Life Foundation, focusing on illuminating the stark realities of drug use. “For today’s youth, trying drugs can lead to either addiction or death,” she warned.
Robison, who emphasizes the interconnectedness of drug addiction and mental health issues, advocates for improved treatment programs to address both sides of the crisis. “We’re not going to arrest and incarcerate people out of the opioid crisis,” he stated, calling for a more comprehensive approach.
As part of her ongoing mission, Dalton keeps her son’s bucket list, which includes saving lives, as a source of motivation. “We know that’s what he’s doing, his story is saving lives,” she said.
In recognition of her efforts, Dalton has been honored by Governor Josh Stein and will soon meet with North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson to explore further strategies to combat this pressing issue.
For more information, contact Siobhan Riley at sriley@wcnc.com.
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