2024
Since its inception in 2014, the Saving Lives Task Force has worked tirelessly to address substance use disorder and addiction in Dare County, working to improve the lives of those who suffer, their families and the community as a whole. We are always grateful to have new members join us at our monthly meetings, held at 2 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Dare County Administrative Building.
Over the next year we plan to continue to prioritize the use of Dare County’s Opioid Settlement Funds, with the goal of staying focused on the most impactful and feasible strategies to reduce substance misuse in Dare County. To do this, we will continue to focus on four main areas that include prevention, recovery & treatment, harm reduction & diversion, and awareness & education.
This supplement is aimed at showcasing our progress thus far and includes information on our strategies, achievements and accomplishments of our community partners as well as challenges as we continue to tackle substance use disorder and addiction in our community. Also included is pertinent data related to Dare County as well as opportunities for you to help us achieve our goals.
Thank you for your interest.
Your Saving Lives Task Force Co-Chairs,
Wally Overman
Co-Chair
Saving Lives Task Force
Roxana Ballinger
Manager
of Health Education & Outreach Services
Dare County Department of Health & Human Services Co-Chair, Saving Lives Task Force
Roxana Ballinger, Co-Chair
Wally Overman, Co-Chair
Ervin Bateman
Dare County Board of Commissioners & Recovery Community
Jeff Derringer
Major Deputy, Dare County Sheriff’s Office
Julie Haner
Lieutenant, Kill Devil Hills Police Department
Brenda Thacker
Walk Against Addiction
Paris Murray
Social Worker, Outer Banks Health
Kim Hardman
Director of Case Management & Patient Experience, Outer Banks Health
Shannon Castillo
Director of Administrative Services, 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
• Dare County 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 Department of Health & Human Services
• Dare County Board of Commissioners
• Outer Banks Health
• 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
• Purple Empowerment Project
• NAMI OBX
About Our Plan
Our strategic plan will help us stay focused on the most impactful and feasible strategies to reduce and prevent the next wave of substance misuse in Dare County.
Our strategic plan is centered on four areas of focus: prevention, recovery & treatment, harm reduction & diversion, and awareness & education.
Main Areas of Focus
Prevention
• Reduce the supply of substances.
• Avert future addiction by supporting youth and families.
Recovery & Treatment
• Expand access to treatment and recovery supports.
• Address the needs of justiceinvolved populations.
Harm Reduction & Diversion
• Advance harm reduction.
• Address social determinants of health and eliminate stigma.
Awareness & Education
• Educate professionals and members of the community.
• Promote public awareness of substance use disorders, treatment, services and resources available.
We invite you to read on to learn about Dare County’s community achievements in these areas of focus during 2024.
Details on Funding for Substance Use Initiatives in Dare County
million in grants, awards, and donations since 2007
This funding is not Task Force specific and supports a variety of substance use initiatives in Dare County. The pages that follow explain many of these initiatives in greater detail. These funds do not include Opioid Settlement Fund monies.
$610,052 in funding, grants, awards, and donations in 2024
County Board of FundingCommissioners’ for Health & Human Services and PORT
*At the November 4, 2024 Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve a recommendation to reallocate $340,000 in funding to hire three licensed clinical mental health providers to work in Dare County Schools. These counselors will serve three separate geographic areas within the county: Hatteras, Kill Devil Hills and Manteo. Additionally, the board approved a reallocation of $25,000 in funding to provide supplementary support to the Sound Minds program.
Mental Health First Aid
Dare County Department of Health & Human Services (DCDHHS) 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 both online and in person to individuals that live, work, or worship in Dare County. Individuals who complete the program are eligible to earn a Mental Health First Aid certificate, which is valid for three years.
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.
NAMI OBX
NAMI OBX is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) that serves the Outer Banks of North Carolina. NAMI OBX offers support, education, and advocacy for people affected by mental illness. NAMI OBX serves residents in Dare County with free mental health support, online groups, resources and education.
Keeping Current
Keeping Current is an interactive program designed to empower and equip adults with the tools necessary to prevent teen substance abuse. Participants begin by touring a “typical teenage bedroom” with various items hidden in plain sight that could indicate substance use. After viewing the bedroom and allowing parents to identify items they think could indicate substance use, a presentation allows adults to see all of the items in the bedroom that could indicate a problem.
Women of Worth
DCDHHS’ Public Health Education Specialists implement evidence-based programs for Dare County women virtually and at 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 2024: 185
Breaking Through Task Force
Mental Health & Addictions Counselors Roundtable Quarterly Mental Health & Addictions Roundtable meetings continued into 2024. Four meetings were held and quarterly continuing education initiatives were added into 2024’s quarterly meetings.
Mental Health Workbooks for Children
The Breaking Through Task Force (BTTF) 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 remain available at a variety of locations throughout the community.
Mental Health Workbooks for Adults
Our Adult Mental Health Workbook was completed in 2024. The workbook is designed to encourage selfreflection, self-awareness, and self-care through a variety of exercises and activities. By engaging with the content of this workbook, users will gain a deeper understanding of their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and develop the skills necessary to manage stress, cultivate resilience, and foster positive relationships.
UNC Suicide & Mental Health Study in Dare County
The BTTF and DCDHHS joined in a partnership with UNC Chapel Hill to study suicide in Dare County.
This study explored the Impact of Cultural Nuances and Contextual Factors on Mental Health/Well-being Perceptions among Residents Aged 18-34 years in Dare County. The study examined suicide in Dare County through three methods:
• Survey questionnaire for residents 18-34 years of age.
• Focus groups with community members.
• Interviews with key stakeholders.
Results on the study can be reviewed at: BreakTheStigmaOBX.com/UNCStudy
Peer Power
Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: Students participated in an activity where they responded to the question “Who ‘leaves’ an impression on you?” They then wrote their answer on a paper leaf which was then added to “The Tree of Life.” The tree symbolized the importance of connectedness with others to promote suicide prevention.
Red Ribbon Week: Students participated in an activity where they were given a public service announcement about the importance of living a drug-free healthy life. Students were then asked to take a pledge by writing their name on a red ribbon. The ribbons were then stapled together in a chain and hung up for display. The activity illustrated the large number of students that are committed to remaining drug free.
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week: Students participated in an activity where they read a fact related to drugs, alcohol, and smoking/vaping and had to determine if it was true or false. They then sorted it under the correct category. Peer Power mentors then talked to the students about the fact and elaborated on why it is important to avoid harmful substances and live a healthy life. Students then wrote what their “natural high” was on the banner.
The Initiative Newsletter
The Saving Lives Task Force (SLTF) 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.
Drug Safety & Harm Reduction for Seniors
A senior drug education and safety event was held at the Virginia Tillet Center on January 24, 2025. Safety medicine bags, lock boxes and educational information about drug safety was provided to seniors. Peer support specialists, EMS and Sunshine Pharmacy were on hand to answer questions and provide resources. Approximately 30 were in attendance.
16th Annual Walk Against Addiction
The 16th Annual Walk Against Addiction was held on September 28, 2024 at First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills. Numerous vendors set up tables and handed out information concerning overdose, recovery and substance use disorder. Naloxone and fentanyl test strips were handed out by the Recovery & Overdose Support Services program along with other harm reduction supplies and personal hygiene items. Outer Banks Health administered free flu shots to participants. A silent auction was held with proceeds going to the Walk’s efforts to assist community members in their recovery process. Vince Rodkey of Powells Point Christian Church offered the opening prayer, followed by opening remarks from Chief District Court Judge (1st Judicial District) Robert Trivette. Three speakers relayed to the participants what their lives were like growing up in enviorments with individuals who suffered from substance use disorder. Walk participants were treated to lunch compliments of Mulligan’s. Approximately 200 people attended the event.
Out of the Shadows Walk
The first annual Out of the Shadows Suicide Awareness Walk was held on May 4, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Flight High School track in Kill Devil Hills. This event offered 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 BTTF, SLTF, DCDHHS, SMART Recovery and other dedicated community members, the event included a keynote speaker, vendors, mental health professionals, suicide education and awareness materials, live music and food.
Outreach Events
DCDHHS and the SLTF attend a variety of outreach events yearly to provide participants with free educational, prevention, and harm reduction materials. A few of the events attended in 2024 included: VUSIC Concert Series, Veterans Outreach Event, Scallywags Baseball Game, National Night Out, and a New Years Eve Event at the Hilton.
Crisis Intervention Training
Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for Emergency First Responders was held in March and November of 2024 in Kill Devil Hills. This week-long, 40-hour course is coordinated by Trillium Health Resources. Topics presented by CIT facilitators and community providers included: adolescence; aging and dementia; autism spectrum disorder; deaf and hard of hearing services; human trafficking; intellectual/developmental disorders; mobile crisis resources; harm reduction and overdose prevention; personality disorders; schizophrenia; responder self-care; stigma; suicide; traumatic brain injury; trauma/PTSD; and veteran issues.
In 2024, a total of eight emergency first responders completed the 40-hour requirements. Agencies represented were Dare County Sherriff’s Office, Kill Devil Hills Police Department, Kill Devil Hills Fire Department, Manteo Police Department and Nags Head Police Department.
Community Resiliency Model
The Community Resiliency Model (CRM) is a set of easily learned concepts and wellness skills that help participants become aware of the body’s responses to stress and to have options for how to respond to those stresses based on biology and neuroscience. CRM training provides information about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Trauma and Resilience, along with the Public Health Model, which discusses Adverse Community Experiences. CRM trainings are provided as a joint effort between DCDHHS and Be Resilient OBX.
In 2024, Dare County Human Resources added CRM to the list of approved activities for the employee Wellness Program. County employees can now receive a wellness point for attending any CRM workshop. In February, all DCDHHS employees were required to attend one of three workshops held at the agency’s Manteo location. DCDHHS added Introduction to CRM to the training requirements for all new department employees with two classes being held last year. The Adult Services unit held a CRM class at their retreat in the spring and again in the fall to teach the group how to use CRM as a self-care strategy for secondary trauma and compassion fatigue. In addition, two CRM workshops were held for the Hatteras Island community, one for childcare providers, and one for a local private therapy practice. In total, 11 CRM workshops were conducted in 2024.
Dr. Stephen Loyd Events
Dr. Stephen Loyd, a nationally-recognized addiction medicine expert and Chief Medical Officer at the Tennessee based Cedar Recovery, spoke at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head on April 18, 2024 during a special event on recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). The focus of his two-session talk was on the various components of the recovery ecosystem as well as an evidence-based approach that provides individuals with SUD and their families with the necessary tools, services and support for recovery. Loyd also shared the story of his descent into opioid addiction and his rise from the ashes to live a life of service. This event was held in two sessions that day with more than 170 people attending.
Faith-Based Subcommittee Town Hall Events
On January 11, 2024, The SLTF and the Faith-Based Subcommittee partnered to host a Town hall in Avon at St. John Church. Speakers provided information on resources and programs available in Dare County and on Hatteras Island.
The Subcommittee also held a Town Hall, called Families First, at Liberty Christian Fellowship on November 7, 2024. The event focused on resources for substance use and mental health. Leaders provided 20-minute presentations on services available to adults and youth followed by a question and answer period at the end of the Town Hall.
Mobile Recovery Support Unit
The Dare County Mobile Recovery Support Unit is officially operational following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 15, 2024. The unit, made possible through a partnership between the DCDHHS and the SLTF, will greatly expand the reach of the department’s Recovery and Overdose Support Services (ROSS) team in it’s harm reduction efforts.
The Mobile Recovery Support Unit was made possible through the generosity of EasterSeals/Port Health Services, which has agreed to lease/donate the vehicle to DCDHHS; as well as the Outer Banks Community Foundation, which awarded a $9,000 grant for the mobile unit’s wrap and supplies to stock the unit.
With the mobile unit in operation, ROSS Peer Support Specialists will now be able to reach more underserved
populations and rural areas of the county, offering services to individuals regardless of their circumstances or transportation limitations.
The Mobile Recovery Support Unit will provide syringe services, harm reduction tools, naloxone, fentanyl testing kits, support services, education, treatment resources, and rapid HIV and hepatitis C testing. In addition to these harm reduction services, the unit will also provide personal care items and is partnering with the Beach Food Pantry to offer food for those in need.
As of November, the unit is making regularly-scheduled weekly visits throughout the county with priority on our more rural communities, including Hatteras Island and Stumpy Point.
Syringe Services Program
The Community Care Clinic of Dare continued to host our Syringe Services Program in 2024. This free and confidential service provides clean syringes, harm reduction resources, and education and is available for all community members, including those who use injectable medications and People Who Use Drugs (PWUD). Data for 2024 includes:
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 ROSS program. In 2024, there was a decrease in the number of patients receiving naloxone and an increase in the number of EMS calls involving overdose. Dare
Fentanyl Test Strips
Naloxone
Naloxone, also known by its brand name Narcan, is already carried and provided by first responders, including EMS personnel, Ocean rescue and police officers, and is available to the justice-involved population, recovery community, community members and businesses. The US Surgeon General continues to recommend that more individuals, including family, friends and those who are personally at-risk for experiencing an opioid overdose keep the drug on hand. DCDHHS stocks and distributes nasal Narcan kits that contain two 4 mg doses. In 2024, we made extra efforts to get Narcan out to the community by maintaining our current Community Access Points and establishing new ones throughout the county. This allows access to the life-saving drug without stigma.
Kits were distributed to: justice-involved population, post-overdose response in partnership with EMS, syringe services program, event attendees (Vusic concerts, National Night Out events, and other community outreach events), agencies, businesses, restaurants, gas stations, hotels, and the fishing community.
• Total Number of Narcan kits given out in 2024: 5,267
Community-Administered Naloxone Training
Staff from DCDHHS’ ROSS program provided trainings on best practices for administering naloxone to individuals suspected of an experiencing an overdose.The training included education on opioids, naloxone, and signs and symptoms of an overdose. Staff also cover common myths, concerns, and best practices for administering the lifesaving drug.
Roxana Ballinger, DCDHHS Health Education & Outreach Manager, Saving Lives Task Force CoChair joined Jesse Ruby, Peer Support Specialist with DCDHHS to provide Community-Administered naloxone Training at an October Elections Training Session.
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 provide them with information and resources on 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.
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 drugs for the presence of fentanyl and make informed decisions regarding use.
• Total Number of fentanyl test kits given out in 2024: 4,168
Fentanyl test kits include instructions for testing drugs, information on recovery resources, and test strips for fentanyl and xylazine.
Harm Reduction Access Points
Harm Reduction services are provided through a partnership between DCDHHS 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 2024. 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
• 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
• Salt Cave, Kitty Hawk
Pill Disposal Initiatives
Medicine Take Back Events
These events are hosted quarterly in partnership with the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, Outer Banks Health, and DCDHHS.
• Total pills collected from municipal law enforcement, the Sheriff’s office and dropoff events for 2024: 126,216
Number of Pills Collected (2024)
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. Drop boxes are located at CVS in Manteo, CVS in Kill Devil Hills, and Walgreens in Kill Devil Hills. All local police departments also have drug drop boxes except for Manteo.
Recovery & Overdose Support Services (ROSS)
ROSS is designed to respond to community needs related to mental health, substance use and misuse, and trauma. Services are provided by two certified peer support specialists. ROSS was established through a partnership with DCDHHS, the SLTF, and the North Carolina Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (NC IVPB).
The following are accomplishments achieved in 2024:
• Our peer support specialists received training and certification in providing rapid HIV and HCV testing.
• Narcan & fentanyl test strip distribution locations continue to increase, with 12 established access points throughout all areas of the county, including our rural communities.
• Attended the 2024 NC IVPB Harm Reduction Academy in Greenville, NC where we presented a unit on addressing stigma within our ROSS program.
• Recognizing the advanced work ROSS was doing with post-overdose response, the NC IVPB asked us to partner with them in co-hosting a monthly Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) virtual call for other agencies and programs throughout the state. This call provides technical assistance and education for new and established PORTs in North Carolina.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery (Self Management and Recovery Training) is a non-profit, evidence-based program that supports people in their recovery from addictive substances and behaviors. In SMART, participants focus on the present and goals for the future rather than the past. Being in recovery is individual - it means different things to different people, so in SMART, attendees are encouraged to define what recovery is for their individual selves.
We now offer two weekly meetings for community members:
• Mondays, 6pm at The Studio in Pirate’s Quay shopping center in Nags Head
• Wednesdays, 6pm at the Dare County Youth Center at Family Recreation Park Rec (Room 2) in Kill Devil Hills
In 2024, the ROSS program sponsored two individuals who completed SMART Recovery Facilitator training. Now with four fully-certified group leaders in Dare County, additional meetings will be offered in 2025. SMART meetings are free and open to all community members who would like to explore an alternative path for their own recovery.
Dare County Detention Center
In 2024, the Dare County Detention Center spent $54,177 of opioid settlement funds to provide services directly to incarcerated people.
• $24,625.00 was spent providing one on one counseling sessions with licensed clinical addiction’s specialists during incarceration.184 counseling sessions were completed, 50 incarcerated people were served.
• $17,126 was spent on entry fees and other required items for people leaving incarceration to attend residential programs designed for people with substance use disorders. 39 people attended residential programs upon release from DCDC during 2024.
• $5,530 was spent offering incarcerated males a course on emotional regulation skills. The course is based on SAMSHA’s “Anger Management” curriculum and led by licensed therapists and SMART Recovery facilitators. 28 sessions completed, 76 attendees
