Drug Endangered Family Task Force

The Mission of the Richmond County Drug Endangered Family Taskforce is to prevent prescription and illegal drug overdoses. The task force will form partnerships, raise awareness, and educate the community on this public issue in hopes of reducing overdoses and increasing access to treatment.

Drug Endangered Families Taskforce Logo

FOCUS AREAS:

1) Reduce drug overdoses in Richmond County

2) Reduce overdose deaths in Richmond County

3) Implement strategies to address individuals impacted by drug addiction, overdose and death in Richmond County

4) Measure our impact and revise strategies based on results

The Taskforce meets once a month, on the 4th Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. in the Large Classroom at the Richmond County Health Department. For more information about meetings, please call 910-997-8350

Contact:

Theressa Smith, Task Force Chairperson
910-997-8379
Theressa.Smith@richmondnc.com

Tommy Jarrell, Task Force Coordinator
910-997-8475
tommy.jarrell@richmondnc.com

How do prevention community coalitions work and what do they do? Let's visit two coalitions, Johnston County and Richmond County, that work with Community Impact North Carolina and find out.

The Richmond County Drug Endangered Family Taskforce was formed to address the opioid crisis in our local neighborhoods. Community stakeholders, county government, and other agencies have joined forces to provide treatment resources and community education. We are committed to bringing awareness and prevention to Richmond County and its residents.

Richmond Cunty is currently funding the following strategies to address the Opioid addiction crisis our county is facing:
-Narcan distribution
-Employment training for those impacted by drug addiction
-Recovery support
-Addiction treatment for individuals Support Specialist Counseling
-Addiction treatment for incarcerated individuals

Moving image for Lock Your Meds campaign

Though often perceived to be a problem of the inner city, substance use has long been prevalent in rural areas. Rural adults have higher rates of use for tobacco and methamphetamines, while prescription drug misuse and heroin use has grown in towns of every size. Substance use can be especially hard to combat in rural communities due to limited resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Aired: 04/08/22

Rating: NR