After more than a year of preparation, the group of passionate people who make up the Rowan County Substance Abuse Coalition is set to begin its task.
Several leaders from various organizations across the county are trying a variety of ways to help the community deal with substance abuse problems.
After a countywide needs assessment in 1999, a task force was formed to address the issues the assessment found. The dozen members of the task force agreed to start an ongoing effort to fight substance abuse, starting with educating themselves on the problems.
Months later, 35 people had joined forces in creating a strategic plan to reduce, prevent and treat substance abuse. The progress so far has surprised some.
“It progressed much quicker than we ever imagined,” said Bob Lippard, executive director of the Rowan County United Way.
One of the most instrumental steps, he added, was the hiring of a staff person dedicated to the coalition’s cause. Emily Perry began with the Rowan County Health Department in January and serves as the director of Healthy Carolinians and coordinator for the coalition. Lippard said the coalition needed someone like Perry because it is a volunteer-driven group.
Lippard added that Sara Cook, coalition chair, has also been instrumental in motivating the group.
“She puts all of her heart and soul into working,” Perry said. “I thought I had passion.”
Perry added that it is the dynamic individuals heading the coalition who have kept it going strong.
The coalition is sponsored by the United Way, Rowan County Health Department, Rowan Behavioral Healthcare, the school system, the Department of Social Services, Rowan Regional Medical Center and Rowan County Alcohol Beverage Control, among other agencies.
The coalition isn’t trying to change the way the county has been handling substance abuse, but to enhance it.
“We’re not trying to do anything different, but to fill in the gaps,” Perry said.
In early April, several events will begin the coalition’s efforts with the public. The goal of these events is to create awareness, get people involved and see what else the community is looking for.
“I think it’s an exciting thing that we have as much support from the community and from agencies in the community,” said Lippard.
Calendar
of events
- April 2 — Bill Oliver will speak to parents at 7 p.m. at South Rowan High School, 1655 Patterson St., China Grove.
- April 3 — Oliver will speak to elected officials, Healthy Carolinians Task Force members and the Substance Abuse Prevention Committee at 8 a.m. at the Rowan County Library, 210 W. Fisher St.
- April 3 — Oliver will conduct a workshop for school administrators, teachers intervention specialists, resource staff, social workers, ministers and substance abuse counselors at 1 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension office at 2727 Old Concord Road.
- April 3 — Oliver will speak to parents at 6:30 p.m. in the Tom Smith Auditorium at Catawba College, 2300 W. Innes St.
- April 9 — Legal and Law Enforcement Committee has scheduled a meeting for Rowan County law officials to discuss and implement a course of action at 11:30 a.m.
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