SouthLight’s Milestone Is Saving Lives During the Opioid Epidemic 

By Adam Hartzell, SouthLight CEO 

In the face of an opioid epidemic across North Carolina, there is a beacon of hope—and its name is SouthLight. We are proud to announce that SouthLight has reached a powerful milestone: now supporting over 900 individuals at a time with treatment for opioid use disorder.  

This makes SouthLight the largest single-site Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) in North Carolina—a testament to our unwavering commitment to saving lives, restoring dignity, and offering real solutions to those battling addiction. It also marks a near doubling of those enrolled in the program since the COVID outbreak a few years ago.  

Leading with Compassion and Access 

SouthLight’s approach is rooted in our designation as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC)—the first in North Carolina to achieve accreditation as such a clinic. CCBHCs are built on the foundation of accessibility and whole-person care, meeting people where they are and ensuring that help is available when they need it most. 

Such access is no longer a luxury, it’s a reality thanks to Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, which is transforming how behavioral health care is delivered across the state. Two-thirds of those coming to SouthLight now are insured by Medicaid, making high quality care available to them. With more individuals now eligible for treatment, we have been able to scale our reach and respond quickly to a rising demand for services. 

A Community Saving Lives—Every Day 

Behind every life changed is an incredible team. SouthLight’s success is powered by an outstanding staff of nurses, peer support specialists, counselors, medical providers, administrative professionals, and more. These dedicated individuals are not only treating addiction; they’re providing hope, dignity, and a path to recovery.  

From administering lifesaving Narcan (naloxone) to offering counseling that addresses trauma and mental health, the team is doing critical work and saving lives every single day. And the change in people is immediate. We see people physically change within days of starting treatment; their eyes brighten, their health improves, and smiles return to their faces. Those in treatment are reconnecting with loved ones and returning to school and starting new jobs. 

Why This Milestone Matters 

Serving 900 people is more than a number. It’s a sign of progress. It means that 900 people have taken a courageous step toward healing. It means that families may be reunited, that overdoses are being prevented, and that communities are being strengthened. 

Most importantly, it’s a reminder that when people come asking for help, we must be ready to say yes. At SouthLight, we are ready, and we will continue to be.