Hyde County Substance Awareness Task Force Progress

Over the past year, the Task Force stakeholders have met monthly to form a plan to combat the substance abuse epidemic in our area. Through these meetings, we have formed partnerships with our citizens, surrounding counties, and other entities involved in treating and preventing substance abuse. The Task Force has already implemented some of the plans that we came up within our meetings and are planning to implement more in the coming year.

Plans already in place

• Drop boxes for unused and expired medications, available at both Sheriff's Offices

• Drug take-back events have been held on the mainland and Ocracoke

• Naloxone (overdose reversal medicine) has been dispersed in the communities, to EMS, first responders, and the Sheriff's Department

• Law Enforcement has established a presence in the community, engaging with kids on the street and at events

• A syringe exchange program has been implemented

• Mental health first aid

Coming soon

• School year 2018-19 will have a substance use prevention curriculum taught to grades K-12 ongoing

• Mental Health Services, including substance abuse and use counseling, will be available at the Hyde County Health Department in October 2018

• Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) will be available at the Hyde County Health Department in the winter 2018/19

• Patient Navigator is getting hired to manage the Task Force and the programs mentioned

• Media campaigns are getting established via social media

• Presentations on prevention and education are in the works for school and community events in 2018/19

• Local county properties will be utilized regularly for physical activity and positive social programming

• Peer support groups will be formed (social groups who can provide positive environments for people in recovery)

• Community Tip Line is getting established for reports of suspect activities related to drugs

• Informal Community Watch program is being developed

As you can see, the Task Force has been busy and we are still developing more ideas on ways to prevent and treat substance abuse. If you have a suggestion, comment, or wish to help please feel free to contact us or attend one of our upcoming community events.