2 0 1 8 In 2014, we created the Saving Lives Task Force to combat the ever increasing problem with substance use disorder and addiction. The TaskForce is open to anyone who wants to participate and includes virtually all of the support groups in Dare County. The Task Force’s work focuses on four main areas: prevention, recovery and treatment, harm reduction and diversion, and awareness and education for community members and professionals. In this supplement you will find a succinct presentation of our priorities, our mission, our 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,
Wally Overman Vice Chairman Dare County Board of Commissioners
Roxana Ballinger Director of Health Education & Outreach Services Dare County Department of Health & Human Services
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 Dare County residents in need of help.
We began as the Substance Abuse Prevention & Education Task Force in 2014. We hosted our first Inaugural Town Hall Event in 2015. Since then, our efforts have grown tremendously.
We have over 100 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 Human Services • College of the Albemarle • Dare County Dept. of Health & Human Services
• Dare County Commissioners • Outer Banks Hospital Provider Council • Recovery International • Dare CASA • CVS Health • Walgreens • Private providers/counselors • Walk Against Addiction • Local Churches • Community Members
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Featured Donor The Charles W. Gaddy and Lucy Finch Gaddy Endowment Fund, a component fund of the North Carolina Community Foundation, has been a generous donor to The Saving Lives Task Force since 2017. Over the last two years a total of $30,000 has been awarded in grant funding to support the work of the task force and specifically Dare County School’s G.R.E.A.T Program. Pictured from left to right are: donors Fin & Nancy Gaddy, and Saving Lives Task Force Co-Chairs Roxana Ballinger and Wally Overman.
Details on Funding for Substance Use Initatives in Dare County 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.
$11.2 million
in grants, awards, and donations since 2007
Dare Cou nty Board of Commiss ioners’ Funding for Healt h& Human S ervices an d PORT Human S ervices $500,000
$705,300
e NC rdos e v O ncy g e g r n Eme Fundi 000 $93,
21st
NC Rx ose Overd on ti Preven g Fundin $5,000 NC t Projec s Lazaru $1,700
in grants, awards, and donations in 2018
CUR ES $70 Fundin ,000 g
y unit m m o n NC C ndatio Fou 00 0 $15,
e Privat Citizen $250
NC Cris Opioid is Fu $18 nding ,000
anks North B ub Cl Rotary $1,000
TowneBa nk $1,250
Dare Resta County uran $100 ts
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The Initiative Newsletter We issue 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
The Triangulum: Tobacco, Marijuana & E-Cigarettes April 24, 2018 The Saving Lives Task Force worked with Partnerships to Improve Community Health to bring The Triangulum to Dare County. The event featured nationally acclaimed speaker, Phillip Gardiner, Dr. P.H. Attendees represented parents, students, healthcare, school, and law enforcement communities.
Reconnecting Dare Campaign The Breaking Through Task Force was formed under the umbrella of Healthy Carolinians of the Outer Banks to address behaviroal health issues. The task foce surveyed 969 parents and professionals who expressed concerns related to anxiety and screentime. In response, the Breaking Through Task Force has established the Reconnecting Dare project. Follow the campaign on social media. Search @reconnectdare on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
Town Hall Series: Youth Mental Health & Substance Abuse May 24, 2018 A panel educational event was hosted for parents and individuals who work with youth. The evening’s feature presentation was provided by Jeff Yalden, Teen Motivational Coach & Suicide Prevention Expert. Panel experts provided information on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Resiliency, Substance Use, Online Harms, and Technology Dangers. This town hall event was sponsored by Dare CASA, Saving Lives Task Force, Dare County ABC Board & Sheriff’s Office.
9th Annual Walk Against Addiction September 22, 2018 The Annual Walk Against Addiction was started by Tori Peters and Brenda Thacker in an effort to shatter the stigma of addiction. This year approximately 125 people participated in the walk at First Flight High School. The event was made possible by multiple organizations: When Doves Fly, KDH Police Department, Affinity Bail Bonds, Starbucks, Barrier Island Bagels, and the 15 vendors that represented the recovery community.
Keeping Current & Friends
Family Systems Workshop
January 24, 2018 Dare County Department of Health & Human Services, in partnership with The Saving Lives Task Force, The Outer Banks Hospital, and The Sherriff’s Office hosted a Keeping Current & Friends program.
November 2-4, 2018 A weekend Family Systems Workshop provided professionals, family members and loved ones with skills and tools necessary to begin or help others through the healing process and develop resiliency. The program material covered: addiction, boundaries, codependency, family systems and much more. Professionals who attended the weekend event were provided 10 free professional continuing education credits. This workshop was made possible by The Blanchard Institute, Blanchard & Associates, Saving Lives Task Force, Marie Holland Counseling, PORT Health and Bringing Real Change Recovery.
Keeping Current, an interactive program designed to empower and equip adults with the tools necessary to prevent teen substance abuse, was the feature presentation of the evening. A medication take back event and a look into community concerns, including drug trends was also provided to approximately 40 community members in attendance.
Town Hall Series: Syringe Exchange Program February 7, 2018 An evening was hosted to provide education to the community on syringe exchange programs. Many speakers educated attendees on infections related to opioid use, the Good Samaritan Law, Dare County’s Syringe Exchange Program and the public health role. This town hall event was sponsored by The Saving Lives Task Force, TowneBank & Dare CASA.
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The G.R.E.A.T. Program The G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance a strong bond with both the schools Education and Training) Program is a and communities. national and international gang and violence prevention program that was The G.R.E.A.T. Program is built around developed by The Office of Juvenile school based, law enforcement officer Justice and Delinquency and The U.S. instructed classroom curricula that State Department / International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Student Numbers Affairs almost 30 years ago. This program has been shown to build Students Served (Fall 2018) trust between law enforcement Manteo Elementary School 97 officers and their communities by First Flight Elementary School 66 teaching elementary and middle Cape Hatteras Elementary School 34 school students the GREAT First Flight Middle School 120 curricula (in the classroom). The curricula is designed to teach the TOTAL 317 students life skills that direct them away from delinquency, youth Projected Students to Be Served (Spring 2019) violence, and gang membership. It is designed for children that are First Flight MIddle School 122 at the prime age for introduction First Flight Elementary School 44 to gangs and delinquent Manteo Elementary School 118 behavior. TOTAL 284 More than 13,000 law enforcement officers from around the U.S and Central America have been certified to teach the G.R.E.A.T. Program. The G.R.E.A.T. curricula has been taught to more than 6 million children, allowing law enforcement to foster and build strong relationships with these students, as well as forming
allows the G.R.E.A.T. certified officers to teach the program in the classroom. The elementary school curricula is 6 lessons and the middle school curricula is 13 lessons that are taught one lesson per week.
The Dare County Sheriff’s Office recently received a grant from The Charles W. Gaddy and Lucy Finch Gaddy Endowment Fund, a component fund of the North Carolina Community Foundation, to send the agency’s School Resource Officers to Greenville, South Carolina for G.R.E.A.T Certification Training. The officers that attended the training in June of 2018 are: Sergeant Greg Padilla Manteo Elementary School Deputy Dustin Walston Manteo High School Corporal Becky Terry First Flight Elementary School Corporal Ed Cottrell First Flight Middle School Deputy Jack Palmer First Flight High School Deputy Aaron Felton Cape Hatteras Elementary School For more information about the G.R.E.A.T. Program go to www.greatonline.org
Helping Women Recover This program provides support services for women who have a substance use concern. Our Health Educators implement the program in the Dare County Detention Center, Hotline, and other locations throughout the community.
2018 Helping Women Recover Data 39 participants were served in 4 locations 11 participants continued community classes upon release
E-Cigarettes, Vapes & Juuls: What Parents Should Know Vaping is becoming more popular with youth in middle and high school. Vaping is using an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping device (vape, juul, etc.). E-cigarettes are battery powered and deliver nicotine through a liquid (called e-juice), which turns into a vapor when using the devices. The liquid comes in flavors, such as mint, fruit, and bubble gum, which appeal to kids. Youth often believe that the liquid used in vaping only contains water and flavoring and are unaware that it contains nicotine. Therefore, they may think vaping is less dangerous than using other tobacco products, such as
cigarettes. The amount of nicotine in the liquid can be the same or even more than the amount found in cigarettes. With vaping on the rise nationally, it is important to educate adults on this concerning topic impacting youth. Here are some important facts every parent should know about vaping: 1) There is no FDA oversight on the manufacturing of products. 2) E-cigarettes almost always contain nicotine and many other harmful ingredients. 3) No e-cigarette has been found to be safe! 4) Acrolein, a harmful ingredient in
e-cigarettes causes irreversible lung damage. Also, nicotine can harm the developing brain of teens. 5) The JUUL is the most popular e-cig among teens and one Juul pod can contain as much nicotine as 1 pack of cigarettes. 6) No e-cigarette has been found effective by the United States’ Food & Drug Administration to help people quit smoking. If you or someone you know needs help quitting, call the free QuitlineNC at 1-800-QUIT-NOW
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Naloxone Kit Distribution in Our Community
Each day we lose 115 Americans to an opioid overdose – that’s one person every 12.5 minutes,” said Surgeon General Adams. “It is time to make sure more people have access to this lifesaving medication, because 77 percent of opioid overdose deaths occur outside of a medical setting and more than half occur at home.
The medication, Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is already carried by many first responders, such as EMTs and police officers. The Surgeon General is now recommending that more individuals, including family, friends and those who are personally at risk for an opioid overdose, also keep the drug on hand. Naloxone Kit Distribution in Dare County (2018) Dare County Dept. of Health & Human Services 110 Saving Lives Task Force 197 HighLife252 84 TOTAL 391
HighLife252: Syringe Exchange Program
Naloxone Kits were also distributed to: • Local Town Law Enforcement • Dare County’s Joint Agency Tactical Team • Wanchese Fish Houses • Hatteras Island Fish Houses • Restaurants • Hotels • Room in the Inn staff • Recovery community • Community members • NC Ferry System • Community events • Oxford Houses
Data shows that syringe exchange programs lead to reductions in Hepatitis C, HIV and other IV transmitted diseases. In 2018, a total of 45 individuals were served by the Syringe Exchange Program. Participants were also provided with education and counseling as needed. A total of 22 participants were able to stop using drugs and 2 went to rehab.
5,391 Used Syringes Returned 4,900 Clean Syringes Given Out
Naloxone Administrations Reported in 2018
48
22
Emergency Medical Services
Law Enforcement
1
Medicine Take Back Events These events are hosted quarterly in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office, Outer Banks Hospital, Dare County Department of Health & Human Services. In 2018, the events took place in: • Fessenden Center, Buxton • The Marketplace, Southern Shores • Outer Banks Hospital, Nags Head • College of the Albemarle, Manteo For more information on medication take back locations and methods, visit www.darenc.com/rx Pills Collected in Dare County (2018) Pills 260,738 Controlled Substances 6,110 TOTAL 266,848
16
Pill Disposal Bags
Volunteer Fire Department
HighLife252
All pharmacies in Dare County have free pill disposal bags available upon request. The initiative began in September and in three months the following organizations have given out a total of 495 bags.
Naloxone Billboard This billboard was created in partnership with Dare County Department of Health & Human Services and put up in 2018. It is located in Manteo in between the ABC Store and Garden Deli Pizzeria.
Bags Provided by Pharmacies (Sept-Dec 2018) CVS Stores (Manteo, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk) 295 Walgreens 200
This week, Naloxone Saved Someone’s: Sister
Wife
Dad
call 252.475.5619 or visit savinglivesobx.com
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Thank You for Your Support PORT Health Services thanks the Dare County community for its ongoing compassion and support for individuals and families dealing with substance use and mental health issues. If you are in need of assistance, please contact one of our local offices. Nags Head: 252.441.2324 Hatteras: 252.255.7001
PORThealth.org
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PORT Health Services Received Community Support to Open New Clinic and Fund Patient Resources Every year, the staff at PORT Health Services Dare County (PHSDC) witness people develop strong foundations for lifelong recovery from behavioral health disorders. 2018 was no different, except it brought an overwhelming flood of community support that pleasantly surprised PHSDC staff and greatly impacted the organization’s awareness and efforts. The opioid epidemic and rising suicide rates were prominently featured in national news in 2018. Dare County residents have not been immune to these difficulties. The impact on the county has been staggering and left local residents determined to make a difference for their community and for the people they love who suffer from these illnesses. In the spring of 2018, Michelle Hawbaker, PHSDC Supervisor, began receiving calls from local radio personality, Gunner Pants, expressing interest in organizing an event to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Through planning and collaboration with Gunner, an event was put together for the cause. On September 8, One Voice, One Beat, One Life Benefit for Suicide Awareness and Prevention was held at Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint. In addition to providing education and resources about behavioral health disorders and suicide prevention, there was live music, silent auction items, face painting and merchandise. The event
raised approximately $3K, which was then donated to PHSDC. With this generous donation, PHSDC was able to purchase much-needed patient resources and is currently in the process of creating a meditation room to assist patients with mastering mindfulness and meditation skills. Community support was great with almost 100 Dare County residents participating in the event, sending a loud message that they have compassion for those suffering with behavioral health disorders.
PHSDC experienced another behavioral health champion in the form of the Sisler family. The Sisler family suffered the loss of their son, Cory, in January of 2018, following a long struggle with substance use. The family collectively decided they would do everything in their power to prevent another family from experiencing the trauma of losing a loved one. Wendy Sisler lead the way in utilizing her personal contacts
and social media to begin increasing awareness and raising funds to assist with the development of a behavioral health center in their home community of Hatteras. In January 2019, PHS Hatteras opened in the previously named Hatteras Medical Center. This new clinic is the result of PHS, Dare County Government, the Sisler family and the Hatteras community’s tireless efforts to ensure the project came to fruition. In total, the Sisler family raised $31K and donated countless hours. Donations were directed to the opening of the clinic and remaining funds will be used to assist PHS in maintaining the clinic and meeting the unique needs of patients. Along the way, the residents of Hatteras sent a clear stigma-busting message to the residents of Dare County—Get Treatment, Get Well! PORT Health Services is the largest provider of behavioral health services in Eastern North Carolina. The Dare County Nags Head and Hatteras Clinics provide individual and group therapy, substance abuse intensive outpatient treatment, school-based therapy and medication assisted treatment. Facility based crisis services, which include detoxification services, are also available through PHS. For more information and to learn how PHS can make a difference for you or a loved one, call 252.441.2324 or visit www.porthealth. org.
Saving Lives Response Team Pilot Project Takes Off In the Fall of 2018, a diverse group of community professionals formed “Saving Lives Response Team”. Led by the Dare County Department of Health and Human Services, the goal of this team is to reduce repeated incidences of overdose and overdose deaths in our community by linking individuals to harm reduction services, detox and treatment. “Dare County has many resources dedicated to substance use disorders, but we were lacking in the follow-up that is needed after an overdose reversal to offer help” says Roxana Ballinger, co-chair of the Saving Lives Task Force. Within 24 to 72 hours after a reported opioid overdose, an outreach worker from Saving Lives Response Team attempts a face to face contact with the overdose survivor and provides a naloxone kit, overdose prevention training, and links to services. In addition to responding to overdoses, individuals can call the response team and request assistance in navigating treatment options. The outreach worker will meet with individuals,
assist with paper-work, and provide transportation to treatment if necessary. In October 2018, Saving Lives Response Team received a grant from the North
Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Injury and Violence Prevention Branch to cover operating costs. This grant also provides funds to Source Church to support Dare County’s only syringe-exchange program, known as High-Life 252.
In January 2019, Saving Lives Response Team sent members of our recovery community to Peer Support Specialist Training at Eastern AHEC in Greenville, North Carolina. This training is intended for individuals who are well-grounded in their recovery and show a commitment to help others. “I was fortunate to have the chance to attend the Peer Academy in Greenville”, said Jessica Urbano, a graduate of Manteo High School who works as a Peer Support Specialist at Two-Dreams Treatment Center in Corolla. “This training was informative and inspiring. I am already using the skills I learned to help others in our community who are struggling with substance use”. As of this writing, Saving Lives Response Team has provided services to 20 individuals. To reach The Saving Lives Response Team, call 252.216.8036.
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Opiate Prescribing Challenges & Alternatives for Chronic Pain Management
March 12, 2019 • 5:30 pm - 9:10 pm • Pamlico Jacks 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Check-in & Dinner • 6:00 pm - 9:10 pm Program This conference is specifically designed for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists and pharmacists. to register visit: www.easternahec.net/courses-and-events/57820
Town Hall Series: Legislative Focus
April 11, 2019 • 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm • Dare County Administrative Campus 5:00 pm Heavy Hors d’oeuvre in Room 168 • 6:00 pm Presentation Begins in Commissioners Room Keynote speaker is Dr. Gregory Murphy, Representative, North Carolina House District 9
Day of Hope: Harm Reduction Outreach Event May 17, 2019 • 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm • Source Church
Opiate & Methamphetamine Awareness for Public Sector Workers September 19, 2019 • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm • Dare County Commissioners Meeting Room September 20, 2019 • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm • Kill Devil Hills Townhall Meeting Room Presentation is focused on preventing exposure in the field.
10th Annual Walk Against Addiction
September 21, 2019 • 9:00 am - until • First Flight High School Keynote speaker is Tim Ryan, who is a member of the recovery community, parent of a child who died from an opioid overdose, and serves as an advisor for rehab.com.
Resilience: The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope Call today to schedule your viewing of this one-hour documentary or other presentations. Nancy Griffin, Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County 252.441.0614.
Dare County Board of Commissioners Dare County Public Relations Dare County Schools Recovery International Source Church/HighLife252 Saving Lives Response Team Dare County EMS Children & Youth Partnership Dare County Sheriff’s Office Dare County Detention Center Trillium Health Resources PORT Human Services College of the Albemarle CVS Health Walgreens Dare CASA The Outer Banks Hospital Dare County Dept. of Health & Human Services
Breaking Through Task Force Healthy Carolinians of the Outer Banks TowneBank Bringing Real Change Recovery The Blanchard Institutie Marie Holland & Associates Coastal Studies Institute Partnerships to Improve Community Health Dare County ABC Board North Carolina Dept. of Health & Human Services NC Community Foundation Fin & Nancy Gaddy All Saints Church Pirates Cove Alice Kelly Fishing Tournament Room in the Inn Town of Kill Devil Hills Police Department North Banks Rotary
Please join us for our meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 3:00 pm at the Dare County Administration Building in Manteo.
visit: savinglivesobx.com • call: 252.475.5619 email: Roxana.Ballinger@darenc.com
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POEM (anonymous) I’m a little girl whose daddy is sick He can’t talk with me cause his tongue is too thick Lots of times all I want is his praise But he’s drinking whiskey so me, he cannot raise. I have a sister who just wants to be left alone She won’t EVEN answer when I call her on the phone She wants her only friend to be her cocaine But I can see that it’s destroying her brain I have a husband, he says that it’s me that he loves But competing with Budweiser gives me reason to shrug Raised with alcoholism, this is all I know, Can’t take the abuse anymore, so I decided to go. I have a child, who suffers from addiction This disease is generational – this horrid affliction I’m a mom – I want to make him well But each and every day, I live through this hell I am a grandma – those babies fill me with glee But due to my “healthy” lifestyle, they have been taken from me And so this disease continues to grow It frightens me to think of where it will go. I’m an old lady who is at the end of her life I have had my struggles and my share of strife But now I see hope where I never have before Even the changing of language helps open the door And with the realization of addiction as a disease We begin to make strides with hope for it to flee Prevention and treatment are already beginning Shattering the stigma will be another winning With groups like our Savings Lives Task force and hope from God up above I have hope that with research and faith, we can understand with love. Thank you for taking your time to be here in this crowd Being a part of his passion, truly makes me proud.
Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope is a one-hour documentary that chronicles the birth of a movement among pediatricians, therapists, educators and communities, who are using cutting-edge brain science to disrupt cycles of violence, addiction and disease. Now understood to be one of the leading causes of everything from heart disease and cancer to substance abuse and depression, extremely stressful experiences in childhood can alter brain development and have lifelong effects on health and
behavior. Practitioners profiled in Resilience are talking about the effects of childhood stressors such as family upheaval, abuse and neglect and using science to help the next generation break the cycles of adversity and disease. Inspired by the cross-sector work occurring around the country, Be Resilient OBX is a yearold local collaborative effort to strengthen a continuum of prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery resources that address the biologic effects of toxic stress. The ability to not only survive
but thrive in the face of adversity depends on becoming resilient. No one is born with resilience, yet people of all ages from the very young to older adults can learn, practice and share resources needed for building resilience. The 60-minute award-winning documentary Resilience is used to help raise public awareness and provide training. To arrange a showing of the movie or other presentations, contact Nancy Griffin, executive director of Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County, at 441-0614 or cypdare@darekids.org .
The Perfect Blend
To start your morning
THE COASTLAND TIMES
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