Camp Thunderbird helping those battling addiction during stay-at-home order

LAKE WYLIE, S.C. — Since the statewide stay-at-home order was issued, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have seen 100 calls about drug overdoses -- that's a 24% increase over last year.

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Staying at home can be especially difficult for people battling addiction, so a very special place in our community is stepping forward to help.

Camp Thunderbird in Lake Wylie is a popular place for school field trips. But with those trips on hiatus, Channel 9 education reporter Elsa Gillis explains how the camp is helping people in recovery.

>> Watch the video at the top of this webpage to see Elsa’s full story.

North Carolina is getting $2 million to support programs like this, helping those battling addiction. The grant is part of a federal program from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The pandemic is adding a lot of stress to people’s lives, and officials say the funding will also support mental health services.

>> We’ll bring you LIVE updates on Channel 9 Eyewitness News. Get extended coverage on the free WSOC Now app on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV.

Loosening of stay at home restrictions will likely happen gradually, experts say Loosening of stay at home restrictions will likely happen gradually, experts say

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