Bladen County

Bladen County and the Bladen County Consolidated Health & Human Services Department has been awarded funds from the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) to reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from substance use disorder, including opioid use disorder, by strengthening and expanding the capacity to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Prevention Core Activities • Increase access to naloxone and training. • Increase the number of drug take-back programs. • Initiate a school-based prevention program to prevent misuse of opioids and other substances. Also included will be a Parent Program for parents or guardians of students in grades 6-9. • Identify and screen individuals at risk for SUD/OUD in the Community Paramedic program, DSS, Health Department and the Cape Fear Bladen County Hospital primary care practice using the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model. Treatment Core Activities • Develop interdisciplinary teams of SUD/OUD clinical and social service providers who are certified to provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapy. • Integrate two (2) licensed clinical addiction specialists to work within the health department and DSS and the second in a multi-provider primary care practice which is affiliated with the hospital. • Develop a Resource Coordinator position to function as the community hub for accessing information regarding prevention, treatment, and referral opportunities to connect individuals to treatment and resources necessary for recovery including peer support, transportation, education, employment opportunities, medical care, and other social determinants of health. • The Health Department will initiate a program designed specifically to help pregnant women, who need substance abuse treatment. • Training for law enforcement and other County first responders in Critical Incident Training, Mental Health First Aide, and Trauma Informed Care. • An information/resource on-line portal will be developed for citizens to be able to access screenings, educational resources, treatment, and service information in addition to crisis and emergency information. The portal will also provide professional information and trainings for physicians, dentists, nurses, and others such as SBIRT and how to access resources. Teachers and parents will have access to TIP sheets on wide-ranging subjects such as how to recognize drug use, bullying and suicide. Recovery Core Activities • The Resource Coordinator will also enhance discharge coordination for people leaving inpatient treatment facilities and/or the criminal justice system who require linkages to home and community-based services and social supports, including case management, housing, employment, food assistance, transportation, medical and behavioral health services, faith-based organizations, and sober/transitional living facilities. A Certified Peer Support Specialist will work with the Resource Coordinator providing support and follow-up with individuals following referrals from the detention center, treatment programs and the community. • Support the development of recovery communities, recovery coaches, and recovery community organizations to expand the availability of and access to recovery support services.