Substance Use in Dare County 2023: A Year in Review

Page 1

2023

In 2014, we created the Saving Lives Task Force to combat the ever-increasing problem associated with substance use disorder and addiction. In 2020, we became recognized as a 501(c) 3. The task force is always open to the public for anyone who wants to participate, learn or just listen. We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at the Dare County Administration Building at 2 p.m.

This past year, we worked as a team to follow our strategic plan that aligns with North Carolina’s Opioid Action Plan and prioritize the use of Dare County’s Opioid Settlement funds. This will help us stay focused on the most impactful and feasible strategies to reduce substance use in Dare County.

Under our strategic plan, the task force’s work focuses on five main areas: assess, prevent, reduce harm, connect to care, and track & measure.

In this supplement, you will find a succinct presentation on the progress of our strategic plan, which includes our strategies, accomplishments, opportunities and challenges going forward. You will also find pertinent data relative to Dare County, as well as what you can do to help.

Thank you for your interest.

Your Saving Lives Task Force Co-Chairs,

Outreach Services Dare County Department of Health & Human Services

Roxana Ballinger, Co-Chair

Wally Overman, Co-Chair

Ervin Bateman

Dare County Board of Commissioners & Recovery Community

Jeff Derringer

Chief Deputy, Dare County Sheriff’s Office

John Towler

Captain, Kill Devil Hills Police Department

Brenda Thacker

Walk Against Addiction

Paris Murray

Social Worker, The Outer Banks Hospital

Shannon Castillo

Dare County Schools

Dawn Brickhouse

Recovery Court & Probation Office

The Saving Lives Task Force is a team of professionals and community members working toward the prevention of substance use disorders, increasing access and the availability of effective treatment for all in need of help, and raising public awareness regarding issues related to substance use disorders.

We began as the Substance Abuse Prevention & Education Task Force in 2014. We hosted our first Inaugural Town Hall Event in 2015. In January of 2020, we became a 501(c)3, non-profit organization.

We have over 200 participants serving on the task force, representing groups including:

• Dare County Schools

• Emergency Medical Services

• Children & Youth Partnership

• Sheriff’s Office

• Local Law Enforcement

• Dare County Detention Center

• Trillium Health Resources

• PORT Health

• Nags Head Treatment Center

• Surfside Wellness & Treatment Center

• SMART Recovery

• Nar-Anon

• College of the Albemarle

• Dare County Dept. of Health & Human Services

• Dare County Board of Commissioners

• The Outer Banks Hospital

• CVS Health

• Walgreens

• Crossroads OBX

• Private providers/counselors

• Walk Against Addiction

• Local Churches

• Community Members

• Recovery Community

• Recovery & Overdose Support Services

• Be Resilient OBX

• Recovery Court

• Dare Challenge

THE COASTLAND TIMES 1B SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024
Trillium Health 877.685.2415 Mobile Crisis 866.437.1821 PORT 252.441.2324

About Our Plan

Our strategic plan aligns with North Carolina’s Opioid Action Plan (version 2.0). This will help us stay focused on the most impactful and feasible strategies to reduce use and prevent the next wave of use in Dare County. Because opioids are not the only substance of concern in Dare County, the task force adjusted the plan to apply to all substances where applicable.

In our strategic plan, our work focuses on five main areas: assess, prevent, reduce harm, connect to care, and track & measure. Below is more information on how we plan to focus on these five areas.

Assess

Prevent

Continually assess the needs of community members & service providers. Reduce the supply of substances.

Avert future addiction by supporting youth & families.

Address social determinants of health & eliminate stigma. Advance harm reduction.

Reduce Harm

Expand access to treatment & recovery supports. Address the needs of justice-involved populations. Track outcome data

Main Areas of Focus

Assess

• Continually assess the needs of community members and service providers (across the continuum).

Prevent

• Reduce the supply of substances.

• Avert future addiction by supporting youth and families.

Reduce Harm

• Advance harm reduction.

• Address social determinants of health and eliminate stigma.

Connect to Care

• Expand access to treatment and recovery supports.

• Address the needs of justice-involved populations.

Track & Measure

• Track outcome data.

You may have noticed, there is not a section titled “Track & Measure” in this supplement. That is because the pages that follow are filled with data we track and measure on a yearly basis, to provide updates to you, the members of our community.

We invite you to read on to learn about Dare County’s community achievements in these areas of focus during 2023.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024 THE COASTLAND TIMES 2B
Connect to C a r e

SuBStanCe awareneSS Programming

These Substance Awareness Services are provided free-of-charge:

■ Peer Support

■ Treatment Navigation

■ Case Management

■ Syringe Services

■ Community Education

■ Narcan Distribution & Education

■ Post-Overdose Response

■ Narcotics Anonymous*

■ Alcoholics Anonymous**

■ Wellness Recovery Action Planning Save the dates For these upcoming events!

• NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: august 6th, 4-7Pm Enjoy music, food vendors, bounce house, face painting, touch trucks/vehicles, games, giveaways, and more!

• RECOVERY WALK: tBd Join us in celebrating National Recovery Month by joining our third annual Recovery Walk!

For more information about Hyde County Behavioral Health Services or Events, please call 252-926-4399 or visit www.hydehealth.com.

*NA Meetings are held Fridays 6pm in the Swan Quarter Holiness Church. **AA Meetings are held Tuesdays 7pm at the Senior Center in Swan Quarter.

■ Telepsychiatry

■ Medication Assisted Treatment (The cost of Suboxone is 100% covered for the patient.)

■ Mental Health and Substance Use Counseling

■ Private Insurances, Medicaid, and Medicare are accepted

■ No Insurance? Services are discounted according to a sliding fee scale.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024 THE COASTLAND TIMES 3B Hyde County Be H avioral Healt H A Beacon of Hope Local Resources for a Lasting Change. Hyde County SuBStanCe awareneSS Programming Call The Substance Awareness Program at 252-926-4369 or 252-422-2936 For more information, visit: https://www.HydeHealth.com/services/substance-awareness
TAKE THE fIRsT sTEp TO A HEALTHIER, HAppIER YOU Today! otHer BeHavioral HealtH ServiCeS

$637,000

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024 THE COASTLAND TIMES 4B Details on Funding for Substance Use Initiatives in Dare County CommunityLinkagesto Care Grant $100,000 Dare County Board of FundingCommissioners’ for Health & Human Services and PORT$500,000Health Anonymous Donation for Parent Education $1,500*
funding, grants, awards, and donations in 2023 *funds carried over from last Fiscal Year
in
grants, awards, and donations since 2007 This funding is
Task Force specific
supports
variety of substance use initiatives in Dare County. The pages
many of these initiatives in greater detail. Overdose Data EMS continues the “Leave Behind Program,” which leaves naloxone kits at the home if appropriate. EMS works in partnership with our Peer Support Specialists to identify those who have overdosed as part of the Recovery & Overdose Support Services (ROSS). The last two quarters in 2023 showed a drop in overdoses. Dare County EMS Calls Involving Overdose (2020-2023) 2020 2021 2022 2023 # of Patients receiving Naloxone 41 54 41 46 Average Patient Age 38 34 42 49 Overdose 16 24 37 15 SLTF Faith Committee Donations $650 SLTF Donations $1,350 TrilliumOpioid Remedition Grant $15,460 Outer FoundationCommunityBanks $4,600 NC Foundation-CommunityCharles & Lucy Gaddy $15,000Fund
$16.99 million in
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SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024 THE COASTLAND TIMES 5B

Mental Health First Aid

Dare County Department of Health & Human Services has individuals trained to provide the Youth or Adult Mental Health First Aid Program. Mental Health First Aid is a globally-recognized, evidence-based program developed to teach people how to help an individual who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help individuals in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, adverse childhood experiences, substance use, psychosis and trauma. Evidence-based professional, peer and self-help resources are provided.

Currently, the course is available at no cost to any individual. The course is available online and in-person. Individuals who complete the program are eligible to earn a Mental Health First Aid certificate, which is valid for three years.

14th Annual Walk Against Addiction

The 14th Annual Walk Against Addiction was held on September 28, 2023. We had approximately 35 vendor tables representing various organizations familiar with addiction and recovery from substance use disorder and mental health. Free Narcan and fentanyl test strips were handed out by the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services. Free flu shots were given by the Outer Banks Hospital. Abundant information was handed out concerning harm reduction resources available in Dare County. A silent auction was held benefiting the Walk’s efforts to assist those wishing to go into recovery. Opening Remarks were given by NC State Senator Bobby Hanig and speakers were Jesse Ruby (peer support specialist - Dare County Department of Health & Human Services) and Nathan Finnin - Rector at St. Andrews by the Sea Episcopal church. A 14-year-old gave an impromptu talk describing what it is like to grow up in a household of those who suffer from the disease of substance use disorder and alcoholism.

After the speakers, the Walk took place through the parking lots of FFEM, FFMS and back to FFHS where participants were treated to lunch, courtesy of Mulligan’s (grilled hamburgers/hot dogs). Approximately 170 people attended this event where a non judgemental atmosphere prevailed.

G.R.E.A.T. Program

The G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Program is a national and international gang and violence prevention program that was developed by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency and the U.S. State Department / International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs almost 30 years ago. This program has been shown to build trust between law enforcement officers and their communities by teaching elementary and middle school students the G.R.E.A.T. curriculum (in the classroom). The curriculum is designed to teach the students life skills that direct them away from delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership. It is designed for children who are at the prime age for introduction to gangs and delinquent behavior.

Fentanyl Kills Campaign

The “Fentanyl Kills” campaign, funded with monies allotted to Dare County through the national opioid settlement, included advertising via radio, social media and other targeted digital marketing to share vital information to the public on the dangers of fentanyl.

Digital ads were delivered to: VUSIC Concernt Attendees, young people, indvidiuals who were in popular night scene spots, commercial fishermen, parents, and the general public.

The campaign included 2 radio PSAs and a billboard in Manteo. A total of 28 businesses received: 222 boxes of Naloxone, 1,104 Fentanyl Test strips, 552 Xylazine Test Strips, 1,500 pens, 50 bags, 750 stickers, 450 posters.

The Initiative Newsletter

The Saving Lives Task Force issues a quarterly newsletter with the goal of educating, informing and engaging the residents of Dare County on substance use disorders. Each issue features information on a special topic, advocacy efforts, and community events and partners. To download the most recent copy of “The Initiative,”please visit savinglivesobx.com.

Out of the Shadows Walk

The first annual Out of the Shadows Suicide Awareness Walk was scheduled for October 14, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Flight High School track in Kill Devil Hills. The goal was to offer an important opportunity for the community to come together and work toward breaking the stigma and silence that often surrounds suicide and mental illness.

A collaboration between the Breaking Through Task Force, Dare County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), Saving Lives Task Force, SMART Recovery and other dedicated community members, the event was to include a keynote speaker, vendors, mental health professionals, suicide education and awareness materials, live music and food.

Due to the possibility of inclement weather on October 14, 2023, the walk was rescheduled for May 4, 2024.

Mental Health & Addictions Counselors Roundtable

At the request of the Healthy Carolinians of the Outer Banks (HCOB) Executive Committee, the Breaking Through Task Force partnered with Dare County Department of Health & Human Services to hold a one time mental health counselors roundtable event. All known counselors currently practicing in Dare County were invited to participate in the forum. The meeting was so beneficial, the group elected to reconvene on a quarterly basis and identify goals and objectives the group can work toward to improve mental health services for our community members. Four meetings were held in 2023 and the group established a charter, supported a grant application to increase access to mental health care, and began planning quarterly continuing education initiatives to be added onto 2024’s quarterly meetings.

National Alliance on Mentall Illness (NAMI) Affiliate

NAMI Affiliates are created by groups of individuals who embrace the mission of NAMI and its commitment to building a community of hope for all of those in need. Volunteer leaders come to NAMI with a passion to dedicate their time and resources to facilitate support groups, teach NAMI signature programs, advocate for mental health systems change, and foster peer relationships that empower and strengthen new leadership.

Community & Provider Education

Crisis

Intervention Training

Crisis Intervention Training for Law Enforcement was held in March 2023 at the Kill Devil Hills Town Hall.This is a week-long course taught by Trillium Health Resources. Topics included are autism, aging and dementia, Mental Health 101, de-escalation skills, empathy, hearing voices, medications, mobile crisis, self-care, suicide, traumatic brain injury, Veterans. In attendance were the Sheriff’s Office, Southern Shores, Kill Devil Hills and Duck police departments and DCHHS Peer Support Specialists.

Community Resiliency Model

The Community Resiliency Model (CRM) is a set of easily learned concepts and wellness skills that help us to be more aware of the body’s responses to stress and to have options for how to respond to those stresses based on biology and neuroscience.

In 2023, CRM Workshops were held for Town of Nags Head employees, SMART Recovery participants, DSS Adult Protective Services, Recovery Court participants and staff, and parents of Cape Hatteras Elementary students for a total of seven community trainings. In September, we were asked to introduce CRM to all Dare County EMS staff. Over the course of a week, we held four workshops at Station 1 in Kill Devil Hills. CRM trainings are provided as a joint effort between Dare County DHHS and Be Resilient OBX.

Substance Use Summits Held

On March 30, 2023 and October 26, 2023, the FaithBased Subcommittee of the Dare County Saving Lives Task Force held a Substance Use Resources Summit for the faith community. The summit featured leaders from 12 local agencies that play a vital role in addressing substance use disorders in the community. The summits featured leaders from local agencies that play a vital role in addressing and preventing youth substance use and mental health disorders in the community. These leaders spoke during panel discussions and provided vital information about who they are and what they do.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024 THE COASTLAND TIMES 6B
SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024 THE COASTLAND TIMES 7B The PerfectBlend To start your morning THE COASTLAND TIMES Publishes on Sundays and Wednesdays in the Interest of the Walter Raleigh Coastland-Outer Banks Areas Call 252-473-2105 to subscribe or visit us on the web at www.thecoastlandtimes.com

Mental Health Workbooks

The Breaking Through Task Force continues to provide three children’s mental health workbooks: How to Handle Bullying, We are all Special, and How to Handle Stress and Conflict. The workbooks continue to be made available at the following locations:

• Kill Devil Hills Library

• Manteo Library

• Hatteras Island Library

• Surf Pediatrics & Medicine

• New Horizons

• Manteo Elementary School

• Cape Hatteras Elementary School

• Nags Head Elementary School

• First Flight Elementary School

• Kitty Hawk Elementary School

• Dare County Department of Health & Human Services

Outreach Events

Dare County Department of Health & Human Services and Saving Lives Task Force attended a variety of outreach events yearly. At these events, participants can get a variety of free educational, prevention, and harm reduction materials. A few of the events attended in 2023 were:

• VUSIC Concerts & New Years Event

• Veterans Outreach Event

• Senior Drug Safety Event

• Scallywags Baseball Game

• National Night Out

Dare Board of Education Approves Naloxone Policy

In a unanimous vote at its May 8, 2023 meeting, the Dare County Board of Education passed a new policy allowing school personnel to administer Naloxone. The life-saving rescue drug can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone has become an important tool in the battle against the opioid epidemic.

School personnel are not required to train to use Naloxone, but the policy establishes guidelines for the storage, procurement, administration and other details related to Naloxone on campus. Students and parents or guardians will be notified annually of the policy.

Naloxone will be stored in the school nurse’s office or another location designated by the school nurse or superintendent, and it “shall be made available to those trained to administer it in the event of a suspected drugrelated overdose.”

Syringe Services Program

The Community Care Clinic of Dare is the Syringe Exchange provider for Dare County. This program provides syringes, awareness and education to those in need. The clinic also can provide medical care if needed. Data for 2023 includes:

Pill Disposal Bags & Drop Boxes

Most pharmacies in Dare County have free pill disposal bags available upon request. This initiative began in September 2019 and continues today. CVS pharmacies in Manteo and Kill Devil Hills as well as Walgreens in Kill Devil Hills have drop boxes. All local police departments have drug drop boxes except for Manteo.

Naloxone

The medication naloxone, also known as Narcan, is already provided and carried by first responders such as EMS personnel and police officers, and is available for Detention Center inmates, the recovery community, community members and businesses. The Surgeon General continues to recommend that more individuals, including family, friends and those who are personally at-risk for experiencing an opioid overdose, also keep the drug on hand.

• Total Number of Naloxone Kits given out in 2023: 2,556

Fentanyl Test Strips

More than 80% of the overdose deaths in Dare County have been attributed to illicit fentanyl, according to the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Fentanyl test strips are made available to the community as a harm reduction strategy. Users can test their drug for the presence of fentanyl and make informed decisions regarding use.

• Total Number of Fentanyl Test Kits given out in 2023: 2,338

Saving Lives Task Force Faith Leaders Subcommittee

Established in 2019, the “Faith-based Subcommittee” set out to explore ways to enlist the aid of the faith community and to provide information and resources for them to address alcohol- and drug-related problems in our community. The subcommittee is a group of faith-based concerned citizens and our mission is to bring awareness and resources to all faith-based communities.

Pill Disposal Initiatives

Medicine Take Back Events

These events are hosted quarterly in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office, The Outer Banks Hospital, and Dare County Department of Health & Human Services.

• Total Pills collected from municipal law enforcement, the Sheriff’s office and drop off events for 2023: 126,624

Harm Reduction Access Points

Harm Reduction Services are provided through a partnership between Dare County Department of Health & Human Services and the Saving Lives Task Force. A number of community organizations and partners in our area have committed to promoting harm reduction services and supplies at their business locations in 2023. These organizations are listed below:

• Dare County Department of Health & Human Services, Manteo

• Community Care Clinic of Dare, Nags Head

• TJ’s Gas & Grill, Colington

• Circle K, Kill Devil Hills

• Island Dyes, Inc., Kill Devil Hills

• White’s Shopping Center, Manns Harbor

• Outer Banks Presbyterian Church, Kill Devil Hills

• Fair Haven United Methodist Church, Rodanthe

• St. John United Methodist Church, Avon

• Beach Pharmacy, Avon

• Beach Pharmacy, Hatteras

• Hatteras Library, Hatteras

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024 THE COASTLAND TIMES 8B
Syringe Services Program Data (2023) Unique Individuals Served 8 Contacts with Participants 36 Syringes Turned In 940 Syringes Dispensed 1,300 Hygeine Kits Distributed 14 Alcohol Pads Distributed 70 Sharps Containers Distributed 8 Referrals for Wound Care or Infection 0 Naloxone Distributed 27 Participants Attending Recovery Groups 2 Participants Referred to Treatment 10
Number of Pills Collected (2023) Controlled Substances 5,539 Prescription Drugs 86,608 Veterinarian 1,752 Over the Counter 32,748

through Advocacy and Empowerment

Providing services and support for individuals experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024 THE COASTLAND TIMES 9B
thrift
24/7 Crisis Line: 252-473-3366 100 E. Dunn St. - Nags Head NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY
More than just a
store.....

Justice-Involved PersonsRecovery Court

Recovery Court held its first session on May 1, 2019 and has continued to grow since. Participants are primarily those individuals who have been diagnosed with severe substance use disorders and who have been convicted of felony offenses. As part of their probationary sentences, participants must be actively engaged in a course of substance use treatment recommended by their providers and approved by the Recovery Court board. Further, they are required to attend all Recovery Court sessions as scheduled and report their progress to the Court. These sessions occur between one and two times monthly. Each participant is also expected to comply with terms and conditions of supervised probation including, but not limited to: drug testing no less than twice per week, submitting to warrantless searches, abiding by a curfew, and securing gainful employment and stable substancefree housing. Program participants generally “graduate” between one and two years after enrollment, although most will still be subject to supervised probation for at least another year after graduation from Recovery Court.

Recovery & Overdose Support Services (ROSS)

Recovery and Overdose Support Services (ROSS) is designed to respond to community needs related to mental health, substance use and trauma. Services are provided by two trained Peer Support Specialists. ROSS is provided through a partnership with Dare County Department of Health & Human Services and the Saving Lives Task Force. The following are accomplishments achieved in 2023:

• Staff became EMS affiliates, which allows for a more efficient overdose response program within Dare County.

• Naloxone & Fentanyl test strip distribution locations have increased.

• EMS has a more robust leave-behind program, where staff provide Naloxone prior to leaving overdose scenes.

• Kitty Hawk lifeguards now have a supply of Naloxone on hand for employees to use if necessary.

• First Flight Rotary now partners with Dare County Department of Health & Human Services to implement its Naloxone distribution grant.

• College of the Albemarle- Dare Campus now has a supply of Naloxone on hand in the event an individual overdoses on school property.

• Outer Banks Health also keeps a supply of Naloxone on hand to provide to patients who visit the emergency department.

• Room in the Inn also has a supply of Naloxone and fentanyl test strips on hand for any participants who may need them.

• Staff partnered with Fishing Partnership Support Services to hold Harm Reduction Education in March of 2023.

NC Connect

The Saving Lives Task Force partnered with the Northeastern North Carolina Partnership for Public Health (NENCPPH) Substance Misuse Task Force in promoting the NENC Connect Regional Substance Use Information Campaign. The purpose is to get information out to the community about substance use and connect people to prevention, support, treatment, and recovery services through this NENC Connect campaign.

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery (Self Management and Recovery Training) is a non-profit, science-backed program that helps people recover from addictive behaviors.

Beginning on May 25, 2023 the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services’ ROSS program (Recovery Overdose Support Services) began hosting a weekly recovery group on Thursday afternoons at the Community Care Clinic in Nags Head. Held from 2:30 to 3:45 pm, the meetings are facilitated by ROSS Peer Support Specialists and include two recovery approaches – SMART (SelfManagement and Recovery Training) and WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Planning).

Groups are free and open to participants of the Syringe Services Program, clinic patients, and any community members who would like to explore these options for their own recovery.

Cross Roads OBX

Cross Roads is a Christ-centered outreach offering discernment, guidance, and objective planning for those who desire to change the course of their lives. In 2023, Cross Roads OBX served 163 of our friends and neighbors with 725 personal encounters. Of these 725 encounters, 114 pertained to medical care/detox/rehab; 197 to cessation of substance abuse; 33 employment placement; 49 assistance with lodging; 147 help with living costs (food, gas, clothing); 43 transportation; 104 reconnection to local church; 38 accountability for sober living. There are 3 significant outcomes of which we are particularly pleased: (1) Medical Care/Detox/Rehab: 114 or 70% of our clients presenting for recovery services received care. SAMHSA reports the national average is 6%; (2) Cessation of Drug/Alcohol Use: Of those 163 clients noted above, close to 30% successfully completed treatment and continue in recovery. NIDA statics show the national average is 20%; and (3) Connection to a Local Church: We are happy to share that 33% of these clients have been connected to a local church, which studies show increases recovery success by 84%.

Women of Worth

Dare County Department of Health & Human Services’ Health Educators implement evidence-based programs for women in Dare County Detention Center and various locations throughout the community. Women of Worth includes: Helping Women Recover, Beyond Trauma and Beyond Anger & Violence. These programs offer an environment that supports and promotes safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration and empowerment.

• Total Number of WOW lessons provided in 2023: 189

PORT Health

PORT Health’s goal is to improve the lives, health and well-being of individuals and families dealing with substance use and mental health disorders by providing a comprehensive range of services that treat the whole person and empower patients to find their way forward.

PORT Health has played an integral part in addressing substance abuse in Dare County since its office doors opened in 2008. PORT Health has offices in Nags Head and Hatteras Village. Services are available on a slidingfee-scale for individuals who do not have insurance. PORT

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024 THE COASTLAND TIMES 10B
Dare County Recovery Court (2023) New Enrollments 18 Positive Discharges 10 Neutral Discharges 0 Negative Discharges 3
Overdose Response (2023) Overdose Responses 51 Unique Individuals Served 48 Individuals Connected to Care 11 Recovery Court (2023) Unique Individuals Served 40 Contacts 463 WRAPS Conducted 31 Other ROSS Activities (2023) Recovery Support Groups (SMART, CRM, AA/NA) 96 Unique Individuals Served 108 Division of Social Services Referrals (unique) 15 Division of Social Services Contacts 162 WRAP Classes 5 Community Contacts 822 Connected to Transport to Treatment 9
Health Data (2023) Data Point Nags Head Hatteras TOTAL Services Provided 6964 588 7259 Monthly Patient Volume 276 24 300

Dare County is part of North Carolina’s historic $26 billion agreement that will help bring desperately needed relief to communities impacted by opioids. In Dare County, these funds will be used to support treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and other life-saving programs and services. Funds have been allocated for the following initiatives: Overdose Response Coordinator; Recovery Court Case Manager; Naloxone & Xylazine Testing Strips; Linkage to Care; Social Determinants of Health. Because Dare County is a “can do” community, a portion of the funds was allocated toward community initiatives. The following progress was made in fiscal year 2022-2023 with use of the mini grant funds:

• Dare County Recovery Court received a grant to assist those in the justice- involved population and recovery with re-entry services and post-treatment support. At the end of the fiscal year, a total of 47 individuals were enrolled in the program. There were six program graduates. Six participants graduated to the lowest level of monitoring. Eleven of our participants are enrolled in residential treatment. Twenty-four are enrolled in outpatient treatment. Funds eliminated cost as a barrier for individuals served and allowed for individuals to participate in several substance-free events. It has received really positive feedback from the participants.

• Interfaith Community Outreach was able to provide monetary assistance to residents with addiction who have completed a treatment program. This grant allowed ICO to provide rental assistance to nine residents as they continue their sober living.

• Outer Banks Yoga offered a 75-minute weekly yoga/meditation class, designed specifically for individuals in recovery from drug addiction. They hosted 16 free yoga classes in our community over a four-month period from January to May 2023. Services were provided to 15 participants with eight attending on a regular basis. 100% reported improvements in their well-being after yoga class.

• Cross Roads OBX received funds to increase organizational capacity to help those with substance use disorders in Dare County. Cross Roads OBX was able to hire a second part-time peer support specialist in July 2023. More than 50% of individuals served by Cross Roads OBX between October 2022 and June 2023 are now in a more stable housing and employment situation. Over 95% of program participants were impacted by opioid abuse. Cross Roads also serves as a linkage to care for its program participants with 80% being referred to care at a detox facility, longer term rehabilitation facility, and/or sober living house.

• Changing Tides was able to help cover costs associated with services and treatment for qualified Dare County residents. These residents were able to obtain quality treatment, and most likely would not have been able to afford any treatment at all without the grant funding. All clients who were assisted completed their semesters in compliance without alcohol or drug use. These individuals were discharged with stable housing, improved family relationships and employment.

• Outer Banks Dare Challenge received funds to better set up Dare County residents with the tools necessary for long-term success in recovery. In 2023, 37 men were enrolled in our program. Six men have graduated from the program and have made the commitment to stay on as interns and staff. Two graduates were recently married and are employed.

• Community Care Clinic of Dare implemented a medically-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD). Six staff members have been trained and Vivitrol doses were ordered and are stored at the clinic. For counseling, local options have been identified for patients to choose. Processes are in place to ensure Vivitrol clients are given their first injection prior to dismissal from jail or treatment. Awareness and education initiatives have improved within the healthcare provider community, with a 28% increase in provider screening for high-risk opioid use. There has also been a 15% increase in providers referring to MAT.

• OBX Room in the Inn received funds to train multiple community leaders in Mental Health First Aid. All participants trained are in people-facing roles where it is highly important to be truama informed. Their new skills acuqired will benefit those whom they serve.

• Dare County Detention Center received $46,150 of Opioid Settlement Funding in fiscal year 2024. 100% of funds are being used to provide direct services to the residents of Dare County Detention Center. 56% used to provide therapy/counseling/re-entry planning appointments with Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialists during incarceration time. 26% used to pay entry fees for individuals leaving incarceration to participate in residential programs designed to treat substance use disorder. 11% used to add books to Dare County Detention Center’s Recovery Library. 7% used to pay for “Life Skills Series” – workshops designed for the recovery community.

Dare County Board of Commissioners

Dare County Public Relations

Dare County Schools

Dare County Emergency Medical Services

Children & Youth Partnership

Be Resilient OBX

Dare County Sheriff’s Office

Dare County Detention Center

Trillium Health Resources

PORT Health

College of the Albemarle

CVS Health Walgreens

The Outer Banks Hospital

Dare County Dept. of Health & Human Services

Breaking Through Task Force

Healthy Carolinians of the Outer Banks

SMART Recovery

Holland & Associates Counseling

Partnerships to Improve Community Health

North Carolina Dept. of Health & Human Services

St. Andrews Episcopal Church OBX Room in the Inn

Town of Kill Devil Hills Police Department

Town of Nags Head Police Department

Outer Banks Community Foundation

AA/NA/NarAnon

Dare County Recovery Court

Oxford House

Outer Banks Hotline

Nags Head Treatment Center

Surfside Wellness & Treatment Center

Northeastern North Carolina Partnership for Public Health

First Flight Rotary club

SoldOut TV foundation

Fishing Partnerships Support Services

Slice Pizza

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024 THE COASTLAND TIMES 11B
Please join us for our meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 2:00 pm at Dare County Administrative Building in Manteo visit: savinglivesobx.com • call: 252.475.5619 email: Roxana.Ballinger@darenc.gov TO OUR MANY PARTNERS
SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024 THE COASTLAND TIMES 12B FENTANYL KILLS this is what a lethal dose of fentanyl looks like For information on treatment or access to Naloxone & Fentanyl test strips: www.DareNC.gov/Fentanyl Get Free Fentanyl Education Resources for your business or organization today! Scan Here

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