The Town Hall offers a welcoming format and is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about the substance abuse issues in Dare County, become familiar with local resources currently available to help those in need, and get involved by learning how to become part of the solution.

This event is for everyone concerned about the public health and safety of our children, families, loved ones and community. Scheduled to take place at the Dare County Center in Manteo from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 31, in addition to hearing Brandon’s story, the evening will offer information on local community resources and a presentation from an expert panel covering issues of substance abuse prevention, treatment, medical community support and law enforcement efforts. The panel members include: Dr. Petzing representing the Outer Banks Hospital and Dare CASA Board, Sheriff Doug Doughtie, Investigator Donnie Varnell with the Dare County Sheriff’s Department, Detective John Towler with Kill Devil Hills Police Department, and Amber Griffith with Dare CASA.

Wally Overman, Vice Chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners and Chairman of The Saving Lives Task Force, will provide a welcome address and encourages all residents to join our efforts, “It is critical that we have an ongoing relationship and dialogue with community partners and citizens to effectively deal with the issues.”

The forum is sponsored by The Saving Lives Task Force, Dare CASA and all community and organizational members of the Task Force. Staff from the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services, Dare Coalition Against Substance, Port Human Services, Trillium Health Resources, Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County, and local faith resources will be on hand to offer guidance and information on services, parent programs, positive community outreach, naloxone, and much more.

Information about substance abuse resources and services currently available in Dare County will be available during the event. For more information regarding this event, please contact Amber Bodner Griffith with Dare CASA at 252-449-2272 or amber@darecasa.org