Over a dozen NC legislators and staff, bipartisan and bicameral, have provided insights about the pressing need to prevent substance misuse and addiction. Across North Carolina, communities are grappling with the devastating impact of opioids and new synthetic drugs.  

“If we just focus on treatment, it’s like wack-a-mole. How do we stop the flow?”   

This was a seminar bringing together legislators, agencies, and researchers for roundtable-style discussion of substance use prevention and treatment in North Carolina. 

• When:  Tuesday April 15th, 7:30 am
• Where:  NC Legislative Building, Cafeteria (Basement Level), 16 W. Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27601
• Who:  This invitation was provided to government officials, including legislators, research or committee staff, and agency personnel. Invitations were limited to those in official or research roles in order to create an environment for discussion.
• What: Breakfast provided during a series of brief talks that highlight some fresh research-based approaches for preventing and treating youth substance use disorders. Following event presentations, attendees broke out into small discussion groups based on a topic of their choice, led by each speaker.

AGENDA

Moderated by Phillip Graham, RTI

Identifying youth in need in primary care

Ty Ridenour, Chapel Hill
Risk Screening and Referral Mechanisms to Prevent Substance Use Disorders in Youth

Increasing youth substance use treatment availability

Andra Wilkenson, Child Trends

Local Capacity for Aligning School-based Prevention Programs

Kelly Teague, Community Impact NC

Equipping the Faith Community to Buffer Kids from Substance Use Risks

Andi Clements, Uplift Appalachia & East Tennessee State University