Dare CASA History
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2003
The Dare County Health Assessment identified Substance Abuse as the number one health problem for citizens of Dare.2003
The Substance Abuse Task Force was formed under the umbrella of Healthy Carolinians; a volunteer group of concerned citizens met monthly to discuss and strategize solutions to the Substance Abuse issues in Dare County.2004
The Substance Abuse Task Force hosted a Forum entitled, ‘Let’s Talk About It: Substance Abuse in Dare County’ at which over 300 citizens and community leaders attended.2005
The Substance Abuse Task Force became a 501(c)3 and changed its name to the Dare Coalition Against Substance Abuse or Dare CASA.2006
- Established a 2006 Board of Directors and nine core committees
- Held seven open-to-the public monthly meetings to raise public awareness, expand our membership and volunteer base, and to make critical decisions about CASA’s goals, plans, and on-going activities.
- Established collaborative advisory relationships with ECU’s Regional Training Center, Families in Action/NC Parent Network in Wilson, NC. Both support/advise substance abuse coalition start ups in Eastern NC
- Established informal mentoring relationship with Historic Triangle Substance Abuse Coalition, Williamsburg, VA
- Supported the enactment of the North Carolina Controlled Substances Reporting System Act and publicly acknowledged Sheriff Midgett and others for their involvement in getting the bill passed for an effective date of 1/1/06.
- Joined other Substance Abuse Coalitions throughout NC to actively support the passing of House Bill 1048 (The Governor’s DWI Bill).
Sustainability
Applied for and obtained the following grants:- OBCF grant for Project Awareness (March, 2006): $5,000
- NC Preventing Underage Drinking Grant (March 2006-May 2007): $28,000 specifically earmarked for Alcohol Purchase Surveys, Town Hall Meetings and media advocacy projects
- James Millis Jr. Donor Advised Fund Grants and donations specifically directed for software, promotional activities, start up operational expenses, and Mile 22 sponsorship for the OBX Marathon Total: $27,500
- Outer Banks Hospital Community Development Council Grant (October 2006-September 2007): $25,000 specifically earmarked for a needs assessment and development of a Drug Free Workplace Awareness and Educational Program to assist the local business community in developing employee substance abuse policies and procedures.
Key Projects
- Collaborated with Hotline to co-facilitate a breakout session focusing on the impact of substance abuse and domestic violence at the March 31, 2006 State of the Child Conference (Children and Youth Partnership)
- Organized and held two Spring parent-focused Town Hall Meetings (Hatteras and Nags Head) in May 2006 entitled: Start Talking before they Start Drinking
- Completed first of three Alcohol Purchase Surveys to assess local availability of alcohol for purchase without proper ID checks.
- Organizing/hosting a community educational event featuring renown Family Addiction Treatment expert Dr. John T. Edwards, Ramada Inn (Afternoon of November 28, 2006)
- Town Hall Meeting, continuing the series in Fall: Start Talking Before They Start Drinking, Ramada Inn (Evening of November 28, 2006)
- Hotline’s Festival of Trees ‘ tree sponsorship as CASA fundraiser (Dec. 2006)
- 2006 Events/Speaking Engagements/Behind or On-The-scenes support:
- Presentations to North Banks Rotary and local Kiwanis Club (January 2006)
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 2006)
- Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce Board Presentation (April 2006)
- Nags Head Community Watch Methamphetamine Awareness night (April 2006)
- Pre-Prom assembles at FFHS & MHS (DVDs and BATmobile to accompany car crash reenactments (April 2006)
- Land of New Beginnings Non-Profit Networking Breakfast (April 2006)
- Outer Banks Women’s Club program (May 2006)
- Participated/cooperated in research and planning for Dare County Community Substance Abuse Needs Assessment and Demonstration Plan
- Dare Days (June 2006)
- Coalition First Birthday Community Celebration (September 2006)
- Presentation to First Flight Rotary Club (September 2006)
- Red Ribbon Week support to at least one Dare County school (October 2006)
- October Trick or Treat night at the Aquarium to promote drug and alcohol awareness for both children and parents
- Mile 22 Sponsor for the Outer Banks Marathon and Water Sponsor for Kelly Hospitality Group Fun Run (November 11 and 12, 2006)
2007 Highlights to Date
- Installed 2007 Board of Directors
- Acquired accessible-to-the public office space: 2910 S. Croatan Highway #3, Nags Head, NC 27959. Hosted Open House
- Obtained mini-grant from ECU’s Regional Training Center for $2,450 for website development and PR to announce improved website and new office location. Funding included a membership in the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and signage for office
- Completed two additional rounds of Alcohol Purchase Surveys through funds provided by OJJDP managed by NC MHDDSAS working in cooperation with District One, Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) to help curb access to alcohol by underage youth. Renewed funding for an additional year.
- Collaborated on safe-prom alcohol prevention events with local high schools, Dare Co. Sheriffs Dept. and District 1 Alcohol Law Enforcement.
- Conducted seven Drug Free Workplace Seminars for local business owners/managers and are conducting a series of one-on-one follow up outreaches. Renewed funding for an additional year.
- Participated in the county’s planning committee to develop an array of local events to support September as National Recovery Month using the theme: Joining the Voices for Recovery-Saving Lives, Saving Dollars
- Dare CASA’s Event: A community breakfast for local civic and business leaders and concerned citizens, which included speakers and breakout sessions
Obtained funding to formally conduct a coalition-specific strategic sustainability planning process developed by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (Strategic Prevention Framework) to organization and position Dare CASA - Developed ‘Tool Kits’ containing an extensive collection of substance abuse prevention and education materials and resources to distribute throughout the county
Participation in Community Events: February: Health and Fitness Expo (info booth), March: St. Patrick’s Day Parade (entry in parade) and Land of Beginnings week-long festivities (info booth); provided substance abuse training to crisis phone line staff at Hotline, June: Dare Day (booth), September: Dare County Recovery Month activities (info booth), October: Red Ribbon Week (info distribution), October: Trick or Treat Under-the-Sea (info booth), November: Outer Banks Fun Run (water sponsor and info booth) changing awareness attitudes behavior
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