Bladen County Substance Misuse Task Force Addresses Crucial Health Concerns

The photo above is of a previous Bladen County Substance Misuse Task Force meeting held at the health department.

A Staff Report

On August 8, 2023, the Bladen County Substance Misuse Task Force convened at the Bladen County Health Department for a meeting aimed at tackling the pressing issue of substance misuse within the community. Under the guidance of Chairman Charles Peterson, the task force engaged behavioral and mental health, and substance misuse providers to discuss their services and collaborate in order to combat this pervasive problem. 

After prayer, Chairman Peterson commenced the meeting by requesting each mental and behavioral health provider present to introduce themselves and briefly describe their services. The participating providers included Coastal Horizons, RHA, Monarch, Community Support Agency, Andrews Counseling, LifeBridge, and Natasha Russ-Long – Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Coastal Horizons presented a comprehensive list of evidence-based treatment modalities they provide, including counseling, substance abuse assessments, intervention services, and medication-assisted treatment. RHA highlighted its specialized programs focused on addiction recovery and mental health support. Monarch emphasized their commitment to providing personalized care plans for individuals with substance misuse disorders, strongly emphasizing community integration and support.

Community Support Agency showcased its wide range of resources, including outpatient counseling, case management, and peer support services to foster long-term recovery. Andrews Counseling articulated its strengths in individual and family therapy, offering a safe and supportive environment for clients to address underlying issues contributing to substance misuse. LifeBridge highlighted its holistic approach, combining therapy, education, and community engagement to promote overall wellness and lasting recovery. Lastly, Natasha Russ Long emphasized her dedication to providing individualized counseling services tailored to her clients’ unique needs and circumstances.

Chairman Peterson thanked the providers for their attendance and willingness to collaborate. However, he stressed the need for all providers to actively participate in the task force’s efforts. Peterson recognized the importance of having a comprehensive representation of mental and behavioral health providers at the table to ensure a coordinated and effective response to substance misuse within Bladen County.

There were no faith-based leaders at the meeting. Peterson explained the importance of the “preachers being involved. Go back and tell your preachers to join us.”

By involving all providers and faith-based leaders, the task force can maximize the impact of their collective expertise, resources, and services. According to Peterson, it is imperative that all community stakeholders collaborate to enable the development of a comprehensive approach that addresses prevention, treatment, recovery support, and community education surrounding substance misuse.

Elizabethtown Baptist Church and Foundation Church host a Celebrate Recovery program each Thursday evening. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-Centered, 12-step recovery program based on the eight principles of the Beatitudes of Scripture for anyone struggling with hurt, pain, or addiction. 

Dr. Teresa (Terri) Duncan, Bladen County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) Director, distributed a list of places in Bladen County that offer Naloxone. Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. Coastal Horizon and RHA representatives announced they also offer Naloxone at no cost on their mobile units.

Coastal Horizon distributed a list of their mobile clinic locations in Bladen County. Below is a copy of the flyer Coastal Horizon distributed.

RHA distributed a card with a QR code to scan for a list of their mobile unit locations in Bladen County. Visit this link: https://rb.gy/qcj1r for the RHA mobile unit locations. 

Isabella Faison, an educator with the BCHHS, gave an overview of the county’s new website, recoverybladen.org. Providers were encouraged to make sure the information on the website was correct and to provide input on what needed to be added to the website. 

Before adjourning, Peterson announced August 21, 2023, is Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, and August 31, 2023, is National Overdose Awareness Day. 

The next Bladen County Misuse Task Force meeting will be held at the Bladen County Health Department on September 12, 2023, at 2 pm. Anyone interested in making a difference is asked to join the task force.

The public may view the full meeting on the BladenOnline.com YouTube Channel linked below. 

 

 

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