Although officials announced a significate increase in substance overdoses for this year the Bladen County Substance Misuse Task Force continues to push forward to create change. Dr. Cathy Gantz, director of the task force, wants to remind everyone the next task force meeting will be held this Tuesday, May 18, 2021.
At the last meeting, community members asked for financial reports to be released from local drug treatment facilities for better transparency to create more support for the agencies.
BladenOnline staff members reached out to both drug treatment facilities and asked for financial reports for publication.
Board members of the Southeastern Carolina Crossroads released their 2020 financial report. View the Southeastern Carolina Crossroad Financial report here: Southeastern Carolina Crossroads P-L fiscal 2020 – 5-4-21
Daine Smith, Treasurer of SCC, stated in an email with the financial information, “The Staff and Board of Directors at SCC is working diligently to provide high quality, Faith-Based, rehabilitation program for the men in our community. It is our desire that lives would continue to be changed and that the Truth would be revealed to each person that visits the facility. Additionally, we believe that transparency is paramount in promoting positive community involvement. We will do all that we can to answer any questions that you have in a timely manner.”
Smith added, “As you will see on the Financial report, SCC depends heavily on donations. All residents in 2020 were asked to pay a minimal $500.00 entry fee. Entry fee collection is greatly encouraged, but no one has ever been turned away for lack of means to pay the fee. Nearly 50% of residents are unable to pay any fee at all, and many more are unable to pay the full amount. Here is a link for anyone that would like to donate to the Ministry of SCC… Donate | Southeastern Carolina Crossroads (secarolinacrossroads.com)“.
Holly Loyer with Cape Fear Teen Challenge stated in an email on May 3, 2021, “We are currently in the process of compiling our Annual 2020 financial report and would be glad to make that available once completed.”
Loyer added, “I am looking forward to the task force meeting scheduled for May 18.”
At the time of publication, BladenOnline has not received any further response from Cape Fear Teen Challenge.
During the Tuesday, May 17, 2021 there will be Task Force Updates. The updates are as follows:
1. Schools ABC Board/Education Ms. Kimbree Esters/Dr. Cathy Gantz
2. Faith-based Rev. Dave Foster
3. Consolidated Health: Rural Communities Opioid Response Program grant opportunity Dr. Terri Duncan
4. Naloxone Administration Mr. David Howell
There will also be a roundtable discussion during the meeting. Chair of the task force, Commissioner Charles Ray Peterson, said, “This meeting is going to be about small groups so that we can get some direction. We need to be proactive instead of reactive.”
Following are some questions for the round table discussion.
- What else can we do as a task force to prevent substance misuse in our community?
- How can we decrease the stigma that comes along with substance misuse?
- What can parents do to prevent substance misuse with their children?
- What would have prevented you or someone you know from substance misuse? (List as many things as possible)
The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Church leaders, such as Pastors, elected officials, parents, and civic groups are needed to participate. The Bladen County Substance Misuse Task Force meeting will be on Tuesday, May 18 at 6:30 pm, at Bladen Community College Auditorium, Building 9 in Dublin, N.C.
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