More than 1.2 million people in North Carolina have a substance use disorder, and increasing access to prevention, treatment and recovery services is crucial

 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the distribution of $6,250,000 to seven counties to provide youth substance use prevention within their communities. NCDHHS applied for and was awarded the funding through the U. S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, as part of its National Drug Control Strategy. North Carolina was one of only 12 states to receive funding for its efforts to invest in behavioral health care prevention.

“Prevention and early intervention are important, especially for our young people,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “With more than 62,000 youth struggling with substance use in our state, there is an urgent need for services that prevent those at risk from reaching a point of crisis. The department is committed to transforming the behavioral health system to ensure all North Carolinians have access to the right care at the right time for the best outcome.”

North Carolina counties receiving this award experience high levels of economic distress, have a higher-than-average level of substance use among youth and young adults and have a higher number of youths who primarily identify as a racial or ethnic minority. The counties and organizations selected are:

  • Duplin County – NC Cooperative Extension 4-H
  • Halifax County – Insight Human Services
  • Hoke County – Tia Hart Community Recovery Program
  • Martin County – Martin Tyrrell Washington District Health Department
  • Robeson County – Robeson Health Care Corporation
  • Tyrrell County – Martin Tyrrell Washington District Health Department
  • Washington County – Martin Tyrrell Washington District Health Department

Read the full press release here.