2025
In 2014, we created the Saving Lives Task Force to combat the ever-increasing problems 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.
As part of 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, achievements, opportunities, future challenges and the accomplishments of our community partners. 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
Co-Chair
Saving Lives Task Force
Katy Haslar
Human Services Program Coordinator
Dare County Department of Health & Human Services
Co-Chair, Saving Lives Task Force
Katy Haslar, Co-Chair
Wally Overman, Co-Chair
Ervin Bateman
Dare County Board of Commissioners & Recovery Community
Jeff Deringer
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 disorder.
We began as the Substance Abuse Prevention & Education Task Force in 2014. We hosted our Inaugural Town Hall Event in 2015 and in December of 2020, we became a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit 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
• 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
• 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
• NAMI OBX
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 puzzle piece to sign to commit to a drug-free life. The signed puzzle pieces were displayed near the cafeteria for the week along with a “Life is a PUZZLE Solve it Drug-free” sign.
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
Dare County Department of Health & Human Services’ Health Educators implement evidence-based programs for women virtually and in 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. This previous calendar year a class offering was added on to support Dare Challenge’s Women’s Program.
• Total Number of Women of Worth lessons provided in 2025: 185
NAMI OBX
NAMI OBX is celebrating two years as an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 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. The local affiliate has been active in local outreach events in the community, offers Family-to-Family education classes and continues to work toward launching its Family Support Group. NAMI OBX is actively involved with the Saving Lives Task Force, the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Committee of Manteo, the Breaking Through Task Force, Recovery Court and the Reentry Program Task Force.
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.
Breaking Through Task Force
Mental Health & Addictions Counselors Roundtable
We hosted four Mental Health & Addictions Counselor Roundtable events in partnership with the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services. Approximately 10 counselors attended these events, which included a continuing education component. The group is now exploring the opportunity to establish a community response team of counselors that could step in to provide support during distressing events that have a far-reaching impact on our community.
Mental Health Workbooks for Children
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 a variety of locations throughout the community.
Mental Health Workbooks for Adults
The Breaking Through Task Force continues to provide copies of the adult mental health workbook. The workbook is designed to encourage self-reflection, selfawareness, 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.
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 addiction 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.
Our Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor also became certified to teach the Adult Mental Health First Aid course. In addition, another staff member earned certification as a Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor. These additions expand our capacity to offer Mental Health First Aid programs to the community and allow our other instructor-trained staff member to focus on delivering Adult Mental Health First Aid courses.
17th Annual Walk Against Addiction
The 17th Annual Walk Against Addiction took place on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills. Approximately 35 vendors were on hand with information concerning overdose, recovery and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Tote bags were available for a donation of $10 and t-shirts were sold for $15. Free naloxone and fentanyl test kits were handed out along with personal hygiene items from Dare County’s Mobile Recovery Support Unit. A silent auction was held with proceeds going toward the Walk Against Addiction fund, which is awarded on a case-by-case basis for recovery support, treatment, and Social Determinants of Health resources for Dare County residents affected by SUD. The opening prayer was delivered by Vince Rodkey of Powells Point Christian Church, and John Windley, mayor of Kill Devil Hills, delivered opening remarks. Our emcee for the event was local radio celebrity Curtis. Brenda Thacker and Kaylie Zepemick performed a “good cop/bad cop” skit about the stigma attached to the disease of addiction. Dare County recovery community member Sonny Mitchel delivered the keynote address. After the program portion, participants began the “Walk Against Addiction” through the parking lots of First Flight High School and Middle School. After the walk, all attendees and vendors were treated to hot dogs and hamburgers, compliments of Mulligan’s Grille. In spite of the stigma that still envelopes the disease of addiction, the Outer Banks Walk Against Addiction remains a yearly positive and judgement-free zone.
Outreach Events
Dare County Department of Health & Human Services and Saving Lives Task Force attend 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 2025 were:
• VUSIC Concerts & New Years Event
• Veterans Outreach Event
• Senior Drug Safety Event
• Saving Lives Task Force Faith Subcommittee on Elderly Mental Health
• Lighthouse Learning Series with NC Harm Reduction Coalition
• National Night Out Nags Head
• National Night out Kill Devil Hills
Crisis Intervention Training
Crisis Intervention Training for Emergency First Responders was held May 4th through the 9th . This week-long, 40hour course is coordinated by Trillium Health Resources. Topics presented by CIT facilitators and community providers include: adolescence; aging and dementia; autism spectrum disorder; deaf and hard of hearing services; human trafficking; intellectual/developmental disorders; mobile crisis resources; harm reduction and over dose prevention; personality disorders; schizophrenia; responder self-care; stigma; suicide; traumatic brain injury; trauma/PTSD; and Veteran issues.
In 2025, a total of 9 emergency first responders completed the 40-hour requirements.
Community Resiliency Model
Be Resilient OBX provided a number of trainings in 2025 under the umbrella of Children and Youth Partnership for Dare.
Community Resiliency Model (CRM) trainings were offered for all Dare County Library Staff, Department of Health & Human Services (quarterly presentations for new employees) Dare County DHHS School-Based Mental Health Providers and Atlantic Autism Staff.
The Community Resiliency Model (CRM) is a set of easily learned concepts and wellness skills that help us 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. We share 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 Dare County Department of Health & Human Services and Be Resilient OBX.
In addition, we offered two one-hour Reconnect for Better Days Virtual Sessions and one Recharging Resilience day-long workshop for the Dare County Community. Reconnect for Better Days and Recharging Resilience are offerings developed by Resources for Resilience, a non-profit in Asheville, NC offering quick and easy stress-busting tools to help individuals get through daily difficulties. These offerings focus on Brain and Resiliency concepts rooted in neuroscience and biology.
Finally, two My Family and Me Resiliency Workshops were offered, one at Manteo Elementary School and one at First Flight Elementary School. Parents and children participated in simultaneous workshops designed to help families develop a common language around the brain, resilient zone and provide strategies to help manage emotions.
Over 150 residents from all walks of life were served through these offerings. Feedback was extremely positive, and we continue to reach new audiences with this vital information.
Faith-Based Subcommittee Hosts Summit
The Saving Lives Task Force Faith Leaders Subcommittee hosted a Faith Community Summit on Navigating Seniors’ Mental Health Challenges on November 13, 2025. The summit was held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Andrews by the Sea.
The speakers included Dare County Health & Human Services Adult Services Supervisor Beth Bradley; Dare County Transportation Program Supervisor Radcliff Hester; Kathy and Phil Cooper of the Outer Banks Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness; Outer Banks Dementia Friendly Coalition Executive Director Dianne Denny; and Baum Senior Center Leisure Activities Specialists Jodie Futch and Haley Weeks Hopkins. A total of 41 community members attended, including representatives from several congregations from the community, and County Commissioner Rob Ross. The event was a success, with 65% of the survey responses indicating that the program exceeded expectations. Subcommittee co-chair Bonnie Bennett said of the event, “I truly feel that even though we had a smaller group, we captured exactly what folks were wanting and needing to know. Many who attended had never heard of these incredible resources and were so very thankful to have been a part and to learn so much about what Dare County has to offer. I feel that it was a successful event and we hope to continue to offer similar summits in the near future.”
Our Faith-Based Subcommittee plays a vital role in providing resources and education to our community’s churches and faith-based organizations. Its work ensures the most up-to-date and accurate information gets into the hands of church leaders so they are equipped to help their parishioners.
Reentry Simulation
On Wednesday November 5, 2025, Trillium’s Support Transition and Reentry Team (or T-STAR) partnered with the Task Force to host a Re-entry Simulation for Dare County at St. Andrews by the Sea church in Nags Head. The event provided attendees a hands-on opportunity to experience the barriers that individuals released from incarceration, including those with severe substance use issues, mental illness, and intellectual /developmental disabilities, face upon release. Through volunteers and role-playing, attendees experienced challenges such as trying to access services and resources that are often complicated and difficult to navigate. Judge Robert Trivette, who presides over the county’s Recovery Court program, gave the keynote address and also participated in the simulation.
The feedback from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive and overall, pointed to the strong emotional impact events such as these have on community members.
Hunter Williams, who works as a Public Health Education Specialist for the Dare County Dept. of Health and Human Services, said of her experience, “I have more understanding of how hard it is to re-enter society with so many barriers they have to overcome.” One participant noted, “This simulation has made me more empathetic and eager to get involved in Dare County reentry efforts.”
For more information on Trillium’s simulation events, please visit https://www.trilliumhealthresources.org/t-star.
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
Saving Lives Task Force Partners with Outer Banks Community Foundation for Concert Fundraiser
The music was great, but the cause was greater.
The historic Pioneer Theater in downtown Manteo shook with sound and spirit on Thursday, May 8th as local musicians and community advocates came together for The Road, a sold-out benefit concert in support of the Outer Banks Road to Recovery Fund and Saving Lives Task Force. Organized by local musicians Chris Sawin and Bobby Soto, the evening raised awareness—and likely the roof—with wall-to-wall music and messages of hope for those on the path to recovery from addiction.
After a powerful welcome from Saving Lives co-chairs Wally Overman and Roxana Ballinger, speakers from Walk Against Addiction, OBX Room In The Inn, Interfaith Community Outreach, Community Care Clinic of Dare, Oxford House, and Cross Roads OBX stepped forward between sets to offer messages of help, healing, and hope. One highlight came when a woman currently living in an Oxford House shared her story—just as a small voice from the crowd called out “Hi Mommy,” a moment that lit up the room with joy.
“The Road was a seminal event that will impact the lives of countless individuals and families in the future who deal with substance use disorder and mental health issues,” said Overman. “We were honored to be a part of it.”
The Pioneer Theater—a quiet spot most days—was transformed into a beacon of sound, light, and community for one unforgettable night.
Huge thanks to Michael Basnight for the use of the beautiful and historic Pioneer, to Chris Sawin for championing our Saving Lives Task Force, and to sponsors First Bank, Sugar Creek, Island Bookstore, Towne Insurance, Carolina Designs, Outer Banks Health, G.R. Little Agency, Our EPIC Project, Twiddy & Company, Firehouse Boil Delivery, Pigman’s Bar-B-Que, Outer Banks Brewing Station, Basnight’s Lone Cedar.
Finally, thank you to every musician, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter who made The Road a night to remember. You brought the music. You brought the message. And you brought the community closer to healing, one chord at a time. We raised over $20,000 to support local recovery initiatives.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2026
Mobile Recovery Support Unit
The Mobile Recovery Support Unit, provided by the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services provides weekly mobile support and harm-reduction resources throughout Dare County. In addition to serving more centrally located townships, the mobile unit conducts regular visits to Hatteras Island, Stumpy Point, and Manns Harbor.
The mobile unit also continued offering free, confidential HIV and Hepatitis C screening and referrals when appropriate. Through a sustained partnership with Beach Food Pantry, more than 3,000 pounds of non-perishable food were distributed during 2025 site visits. The addition of Peer Support Specialists also strengthened Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) activities in collaboration with Dare County EMS, increasing peer-support services and linkage to care throughout the community.
Syringe Services Program
Management of the Dare County Syringe Services Program (SSP) fully transitioned from Community Care Clinic of Dare to Dare County Department of Health & Human Services’ Mobile Recovery Services. This transition allowed the program to continue serving existing participants while expanding access through a by-appointment SSP option, particularly benefiting residents in rural areas who face transportation barriers. The program also received a state grant from the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition that provided a full year of free syringes and related SSP supplies, including alcohol swabs and wound-care kits.
Naloxone
The medication naloxone, also known by its brand name Narcan, is already carried and provided by first responders, including EMS personnel, Beach Rescue and police officers, and is available to the justice-involved population, 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, keep the drug on hand. Dare County 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.
• Total Number of Narcan kits distributed in 2025: 2,196
Overdose Data
EMS continues the “Leave Behind Program,” which includes leaving 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). In 2025, there was a slight decrease in the number of patients receiving Naloxone and in the number of EMS calls involving overdose.
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 distributed in 2025: 1,278
Harm Reduction Access Points
Harm Reduction Services are provided through a partnership between the 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 2025. 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
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. In 2025, three events were held in Dare County.
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.
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 2025, Cross Roads OBX dedicated over 1,400 hours to walking alongside individuals in the community. They worked with 480 people over the course of the year, successfully connected 227 people with detox and rehabilitation programs, provided long distance transportation for 56 of those individuals and consistently provided local transportation to those who needed assistance to get to doctors appointments, grocery stores and other similar needs. In addition, Cross Roads OBX helped 41 people navigate the process of applying for and beginning life in sober living, providing financial assistance, bedding and toiletries as well as food and clothing for many of those same individuals. Through Second Chance Employment (a new program they have implemented in recent months) they helped 8 individuals begin to invest in their futures through employment and mentorship and through the Pastoral Care program, they have been privileged to connect 32 individuals with spiritual mentorship and local churches.
Learn more at: wwww.CrossRoadsOBX.org
Recovery & Ongoing 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 2025:
• Dare County’s first mobile harm reduction program, the Mobile Recovery Support Unit (or the Recovery Bus, as we like to call it) is now the sole provider of our county’s Syringe Services Program.
• Our Peer Support Specialists continue to receive training and certification in providing rapid HIV and HCV screening.
• Our Peer Support Specialists, as well as former Dare County Commissioner attended the 2025 North Carolina Summit on Reducing Overdose.
• Narcan & Fentanyl test strip distribution locations continue to increase, with 12 established access points throughout all areas of the county, including our rural communities.
• Two additional staff members began the required coursework to become North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialists, with completion expected in the summer of 2026.
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.
Our SMART Recovery OBX program continued to grow in 2025. We trained three new SMART Recovery community facilitators. Two of our new facilitators are 2025 and 2026 graduates of the Dare County Recovery Court program, and one is a community volunteer who started her recovery journey with SMART in Nags Head in February of 2023. Congratulations and thank you to these new facilitators! With the addition of these facilitators, we have added an additional SMART Recovery meeting on Hatteras Island, and we are in the process of adding a Wednesday night meeting that will be located at the offices of Cross Roads OBX in Kill Devil Hills. SMART Recovery OBX continues to thrive thanks to the support of Dare County DHHS, the Saving Lives Task Force, and community partners like Cross Roads.
For more information, please reach out to us at smartrecoveryobx@gmail.com
Our current SMART Recovery OBX meeting schedule is: Mondays, 6pm, The Studio in Nags Head Wednesdays, 6pm, Cross Roads OBX in Kill Devil Hills
Dare County Detention Center
From January 1st - December 31st 2025, the Dare County Detention Center spent $54,560 of the county’s opioid settlement funding to provide services directly to incarcerated people.
• $31,657 was spent contracting Licensed Clinical Addictions’ Specialists to provide one on one counseling to incarcerated people and their families. On occasion, these licensed professionals assist the other listed recovery groups available in DCDC. 281 counseling sessions were completed, 60 people were served by counseling sessions.
• $5058 was spent offering Anger Management sessions to incarcerated people. This course is based on SAMSHA’s “Anger Management” curriculum and led by certified addictions’ professionals. 26 group sessions were completed, 75 incarcerated people were served.
• $1925 – was spent offering Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) sessions to incarcerated people. MRT teaches people to make better decisions and encourages the formation of healthier relationships. This course is led by certified addictions’ professionals. 16 sessions were completed, 50 incarcerated people were served.
• $3600 was spent offering Life Skills Workshops. These 90- minute workshops are led by a Licensed Occupational Therapist and focus on stress management, healthy relationships, adverse childhood experiences, and self-care. 27 workshops completed, 53 incarcerated people served.
• $1920 was spent offering incarcerated females the GRACE Program. Peer counselors teach lessons on trauma, addiction, healthy relationships, goal setting, and human trafficking. 8 sessions completed, 23 incarcerated people served.
• $9485 was spent providing entry fees and other related costs for people leaving DCDC to participate in residential programs. These programs are designed to assist people with the barriers of re-entry while providing substance use recovery services. 7 people were served.
• $915 was spent purchasing recovery-based books for DCDC’s library for incarcerated people to access in their assigned housing units.
Over 40 community volunteers are involved in providing weekly Bible Study meetings and AA meetings in DCDC.
During 2025:
• 150 incarcerated people attended Bible Study sessions.
• 151 incarcerated people attended AA meetings.
Recovery Court
In 2025, Recovery Court experienced significant growth and transformation. Following the retirement of Judge Jerry Tillett, Judge Robert Trivette has taken on leadership of the program.
The program transitioned from a two-phase structure to a more comprehensive five-phase program, allowing us to better support participants throughout their recovery journey. In addition, formal Policies and Procedures Manual and a Participant Handbook were developed to provide clear guidance and structure.
A new case management system, Drug Court Information Management System, was implemented which enhances the program’s ability to track participant progress, promote accountability, and provide timely reminders of upcoming court dates and requirements.
To further strengthen the team, specialized training was scheduled aimed at improving processes and collaboration. Recovery Court’s support network was expanded by adding a primary care physician and a counselor who prioritize Recovery Court participants. This coordinated approach allows one physician to oversee and monitor prescriptions, ensuring safe and consistent medical care.
A nonprofit organization was established to provide community members with the opportunity to support the Recovery Court. Donations will help fund participant treatment services and ongoing training for staff and team members, ensuring the continued growth and effectiveness of the program.
Dare Challenge
Dare Challenge is based upon the fact that man’s basic need is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. People use drugs and alcohol in an attempt to fill the void in their lives that only Jesus can fill. Dare Challenge believes when Jesus is genuinely received as Lord and Savior of a person’s life, a total transformation will follow.
Outer Banks Dare Challenge serves to help people who have life-controlling problems and initiate the discipleship process to the point where the student can function as a Christian in society, applying spiritually motivated Biblical principle to relationships in the family, local church, chosen vocation and the community. Dare Challenge seeks to help people become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically well and spiritually alive.
Facility Expansion
In 2025, expansion of the Outer Banks Dare Challenge residential recovery facility in Wanchese was still underway as part of a multi-year construction project begun in 2022 and broken ground in 2024. The roughly $6 million project—supported by state, county, and private funding—centers on a large multipurpose building and two new dormitories designed to triple the program’s capacity from about 15 residents to as many as 40–60 men receiving substance-abuse recovery services. County planning documents listed the project’s completion date as still to be determined in 2025, indicating construction and development activity continued at the Wanchese campus during that year.
Women’s Center
The Dare Challenge Women’s Center opened in Wanchese in early 2025 as the first residential recovery facility on the Outer Banks dedicated specifically to women struggling with addiction and other life-controlling issues. Located on a small farm property on Roanoke Island, the center was designed to house about six residents at a time and provide a faith-based recovery program modeled after the long-running Dare Challenge men’s program. The facility includes agricultural and animal-care activities—such as gardening, caring for horses, and farm work—as part of therapy and life-skills development in a peaceful residential setting. Plans for the project were completed in 2024 with a community grand opening targeted for January 2025, marking a major expansion of local substance-abuse recovery services for women in Dare County.
Nags Head Treatment Center
The Nags Head Treatment Center is a place of support and healing for adults struggling with opiate and heroin addiction.
The center’s holistic approach and compassionate staff make it easy for residents to get the help they need, to get clean and rebuild their life. Nags Head Treatment Center is part of a network of private rehabilitation clinics in the area.
DCDHHS Behavioral Health Services
The Behavioral Health Program offers counseling services to individuals and families through Dare County Department of Health & Human Services (DCDHHS). Emphasizing interagency collaboration, most referrals come from in-house healthcare providers and social services staff.
The program employs two full-time Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors who provide services across three locations in Dare County: Manteo, Nags Head, and Frisco. Clients range from school-aged children and adolescents to adults and older adults. One counselor is bilingual, allowing services to be delivered in both English and Spanish.
In addition to counseling services, a clinical psychiatrist provides monthly medication evaluation and management for adult clients currently enrolled in the program, based on referrals from the program’s counselors.
In 2025, 97 referrals were made to the DCDHHS Behavioral Health Program. An average of 89 visits per month were conducted, and each counselor maintains a caseload of approximately 24-30 clients.
Changing Tides
Changing Tides Treatment Facility is located in Kitty Hawk. Changing Tides offers an array of programs such as intensive out patient, partial hospitalization program, and long-term rehab. The treatment center provides both the housing aspect and addiction therapy services all on one site for alcoholism, drug abuse, heroin abuse, and opioid use.
Insurance coverage is accepted for therapy. On-site services include medical services related to addiction, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and educational therapies. Group therapy is essential in treating drug and alcohol addiction; participants will be part of a community of recovering individuals with the peer support that is vital in obtaining a sustained recovery.
School Behavioral Health Program
In response to increasing mental health needs among students and in an effort to reduce barriers to accessing care, Dare County DHHS partnered with Dare County Schools to launch the School-Based Behavioral Health Program during the 2025–2026 school year. With strong support from community stakeholders, the initiative experienced early engagement and broad community support.
The program is staffed by 3.5 full-time equivalent positions, including a combination of contract and permanent employees. The team consists of two licensed mental health therapists and two licensed clinical social workers who provide services to students across all 10 schools in the district.
The program began with the start of the 2025-2026 school year. With a current caseload of more than 80 students, and additional students referred for outside services each week, the program reflects both its meaningful impact on the youth in our community and the clear need for future expansion.
Sound Minds
Sound Minds is operated through partnerships among Interfaith Community Outreach, Outer Banks Relief Foundation, and the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services. The program provides financial assistance so residents can access therapy, substance abuse treatment, and other behavioral-health care regardless of ability to pay. In 2025, the county allocated additional local funding to the program, building on earlier foundation grants and private donations that helped establish Sound Minds as an ongoing community resource addressing Dare County’s behavioral-health needs. This past year, grant amounts changed to 6 sessions for adults and 10 sessions for children under the age of 18 years.
Sound Minds (2025)
Total Clients Approved 117
Clients Under 18 Years of Age 59
Veterans Assisted 21
Funds Distributed in Grants $91,558
Dare County is part of North Carolina’s historic $26 billion agreement that is bringing desperately needed relief to communities impacted by the opioid crisis.
In FY25, Dare County utilized its opioid settlement funds across four high-impact strategies.
First, through Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment, we provided tuition assistance for seven Dare County residents seeking treatment at Changing Tides, a local inpatient facility.
Second, through Recovery Support Services, we continued funding for our Recovery Court program, which has grown to more than 50 participants and is evolving to incorporate national best practices in recovery court programming. Within this strategy, we also provided tuition assistance for residents seeking care at a local faithbased inpatient facility. Additionally, we established an internal Social Determinants of Health fund, allowing us to assist residents experiencing financial crises who needed immediate support with expenses such as utility bills, rent, and transportation.
Third, we funded a Peer Support Specialist/Post-Overdose Response Team Coordinator position. Our team responded to 140 overdose reports and provided harm reduction resources, including naloxone, recovery support, and linkage to care. As a result of these efforts, we worked with 11 individuals who requested treatment and other recovery support services.
Finally, through our Re-entry Programs strategy, the Dare County Detention Center was able to provide support from licensed mental health counselors, occupational therapists, and other treatment professionals to incarcerated individuals in preparation for release.
Success Story
One of our recent success stories comes from our annual participation in Dare County’s Pride Festival, where we host a harm reduction table and distribute naloxone along with other resources.
At last year’s event, two individuals approached our team to share that they make it a point to pick up Narcan from our table each year. Both later encountered situations in which someone had overdosed in public and were able to reverse the overdose using the Narcan they had received from us.
This is a powerful reminder of why it is so important to ensure community members have access to naloxone and feel confident using it.
Spotlight Story
Pat is a recent graduate of a program funded by one of Dare County’s opioid settlement sub-recipients. When Pat entered the program, they were dependent on multiple substances and facing not only potential prison time but also the likelihood of losing their life if their substance use continued.
With tuition assistance provided through Dare County’s Opioid Settlement Funds, Pat completed a 10-month treatment program. After graduating, Pat remained with the program as an intern for three months before transitioning into a staff position.
After four months as a staff member, Pat was offered the opportunity to work locally in a job they had long dreamed of pursuing.
Today, Pat is a leader in our recovery community and generously gives their time mentoring others who are beginning their recovery journey. Despite facing overwhelming life challenges, Pat embraced the opportunity for change and emerged from the program not only sober, but with a renewed sense of purpose.
Pat embodies the belief that change is possible. Pat’s dedication to helping others demonstrates the powerful impact one person can have when they choose to give back. With every step forward, Pat inspires others to believe in the possibility of transformation.
The name has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual.
The survey was sent out in a news release on January 13, 2026. From January 13-28, 2026 a total of 140 respondents completed the survey. Participants must confirm that they live, work, or worship in Dare County to participate in the survey. Respondents either knew someone who uses opioids and/or has an opioid use disorder (37.1%), had personal experience with opioid use and/or had been treated for an opioid use disorder (4.8%) or works in the community to prevent, treat and/or provide support to individuals who use opioids (28.2%).
81% of survey respondents felt spending funds on peer support services (Figure 3) and a recovery court were a good use of funds.
Three-fourths of survey participants (Figure 5) felt outreach, education and public awareness were a good use of funds. Almost three-fourths (72%) of respondents (Figure 6) felt that initiatives that support social determinants of health were a good use of funds.
Seventy percent of survey respondents (Figure 7) felt that Naloxone; fentanyl and xylazine test strips were a good use of funds.
Eighty-six individuals provided feedback and comments at the end of the survey. Comments included the following categories:
• Criminal Justice Population
• Rehab, Sober Living Facilities & Supports
• Prevention & Education
• Treatment
• Holistic Supports
• Self-Help & Support Groups
• Social Determinants of Health
Additional details are provided above on the most common categories of comments.
The Saving Lives Task Force board will continue to recommend funding for the following initiatives:
• Peer Support Services: Follow up on overdoses and work with those who are at high risk for overdoses. Collaborate with EMS and local law enforcement in the community and connect with this population and businesses in Dare county and provide harm reduction tools to preserve life.
• Recovery Court: Provide ongoing case management services/linkage to resources for participants.
• Dare County Detention Center: Link jail population to resources needed, licensed counseling services, co pays, entry fees for housing, treatment costs, clothing, medical needs, and healthcare.
• Naloxone & Fentanyl test strips for community distribution as a harm reduction strategy and save lives.
• Social Determinants of Health: Housing, counseling appointments, food, gas, treatment in-patient or detox, transportation.
• Changing Tides: Cover costs associated with services and treatment for qualified Dare County residents. This program provides evidenced-based addiction treatment along with medication assisted treatment.
• Outer Banks Dare Challenge: Provide a more intense focus on equipping Dare County residents with the tools necessary for long-term success in recovery and to cover entrance fees to the program.
OBCF Board Chair Jason Waughtel, Champion award recipients Roxanna Ballinger (former Saving Lives Task Force Co-chair) and Wally Overman (current Saving Lives Task Force Co-chair), and OBCF President and CEO Chris Sawin. Photo courtesy of Biff Jennings.
Former Saving Lives Task Force co-chair and current Saving Lives Task Force co-chair were recognized at the Outer Banks Community Foundation’s (OBCF) Annual Meeting, which hosted 160+ civic leaders, nonprofit professionals, and donors at Jennette’s Pier on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard recognized Roxanna Ballinger and Wally Overman as the recipients of the annual Champion Award for their tireless work with the Saving Lives Task Force, a local nonprofit that combats substance abuse disorder and addiction.
“Wally, you and Roxanna, your work is making a difference in our community,” said Woodard. “A champion gives their all and sees every challenge as an opportunity to make things around them better.”
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 College of the Albemarle CVS Health Walgreens
Outer Banks Health
Dare County Department of Health & Human Services
Breaking Through Task Force
Healthy Carolinians of the Outer Banks SMART Recovery
Overman and Ballinger graciously accepted the award, both noting that “the fight against substance abuse is never-ending.”
“Thank you for this honor,” said Ballinger. “It brings me happiness and joy. I’m very proud of the work of the Saving Lives Task Force over the years.”
Overman celebrated the Saving Lives Task Force’s support and success, while reminding the audience that they must stay vigilant in their work and inviting them to be a part of it.
“The Saving Lives Task Force has an open door policy,” he said. “New ideas are always welcome.”
Dare County Recovery Court Oxford House Outer Banks Hotline
Surfside Wellness & Treatment Center Northeastern North Carolina Partnership for Public Health Community Care Clinic of Dare Beach Food Pantry
