Since 2002, Substance Abuse has been an area of opportunity indicated through our community health assessment process. Our community's resilience and "can do" attitude has played a vital role in establishing many substance abuse related services for the residents of Dare County. We are proud to be able to provide a variety of substance abuse related services for our residents.

Health Education for Adults

Health Education for Adults is available through scheduling speaking engagements with one of our health education staff members. Information presented can be tailored to meet the group’s needs and focus on substance abuse prevention, intervention, and/or treatment.

Keeping Current is an interactive program designed to empower and equip adults with the tools necessary to prevent teen substance abuse. The program is designed for all adults who spend time with teens and young adults. Participants begin by touring a "typical teenage bedroom" with various items hidden in plain site that could indicate substance use. Keeping Current educates adults on topics such as protective factors, communicating with teens, when to be concerned, and where to turn for help.

Peer Power

Peer Power is a peer health education course in which high school students are trained as health educators to positively influence elementary and middle school student's health behaviors related to: nutrition, physical activity, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug usage. After training is completed, Peer Power Health Educators teach elementary school and middle school students in Dare County schools 3-4 days a week.

School Health

The School Health program employees full-time school nurses in all 11 Dare County schools to provide on-site health prevention, education, and intervention for students PK through 12th grade. School nurses are available to provide and assist in preventative substance abuse education, to intervene when issues with substance abuse arise at school, and to counsel and refer students who present with concerns for themselves, family members, or friends.

Summer Camps

Summer Camp participants receive character education on a weekly basis on topics such as: substance abuse, physical activity, nutrition, hygiene,  mental health, and other wellness topics. Health Educators work with Summer Camps interested in hosting the program to schedule and plan lessons tailored to meet the specific needs of the participants.

Recovery Learning Circle

Recovery Learning Circle is for individuals who struggle with stress, isolation, depression, anxiety, conflict, or need support.The program offers connection with others who are living through their own challenges and offers a platform for growth, hope and empowerment. The program is a peer led group designed to help participants learn resilience and recovery skills while building strong, meaningful connections. 

Referrals to Services

Referrals for services are made by our clinicians and social workers if a substance abuse concern is identified. Referrals can include prevention, intervention and/or treatment based services.

Women of Worth 

Our Health Educators implement evidence-based programs for women in the Dare County Detention Center and various locations throughout the community.

Partnership Efforts

Our community’s collaborative spirit has brought many agencies and volunteers together in partnership to address substance abuse treatment, intervention, and prevention. We are fortunate to be a part of this partnership to address substance abuse. Just a few of our valued partnerships include:

• Drug Drop Off Events in partnership with The Outer Banks Hospital & Dare County Sheriff’s Office

• Parent engaged prevention initiative such as Talk it up, Lock it Up with Dare CASA

• Active participation on the Dare County Saving Lives Task Force

• Linking clients to needed services such as detox with the support of PORT/New Horizons (call 252.441.2324)