HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Police on the front lines of the opioid epidemic in High Point have started handing out treatment center business cards to people suffering from addiction.

• The city's had a 51 percent decrease in heroin overdoses since last year.
• Treatment centers in the area confirm they've noticed a rise in the number of patients.
• High Point police say this is just the start of getting the problem under control.

They say the city's had a 51 percent decrease in heroin overdoses since last year and treatment centers in the area confirm they've noticed a rise in the number of patients voluntarily coming in seeking help.

High Point police say this is just the start of getting the problem under control.

"Right now, we're looking at a significant reduction in our number of overdoses compared to last year," said Lt. Curtis Cheeks. "Obviously, everyone should have a goal of zero, but you have to start with a measuring point and ours is that we've seen a significant reduction. It's something we hope to continue."

Daymark Recovery Services in High Point said it has seen people coming in with those cards from police officers.

Staff members said they're happy to work with law enforcement agencies to get people the resources they need to fight addiction.