PINEHURST — Each year, the N.C. Council of Community Programs seeks nominations in a variety of categories, from LME/MCOs for innovative community programs which have proven to be outstanding. This year, at their annual Excellence Awards Ceremony, Eastpointe was chosen as the award winner in the category of Crisis Response.

Eastpointe’s winning program is HOPE4NC.

HOPE4NC is a partnership between the Federal Emergency Management Agency, NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, Eastpointe, and Behavioral Healthcare Providers. Seven of Eastpointe’s counties, Bladen, Columbus, Edgecombe, Lenoir, Robeson, Sampson, and Wayne, have been served through HOPE 4 NC.

HOPE4NC was developed in response to Hurricane Matthew. On Oct. 8, 2016, when Hurricane Matthew blew into North Carolina, it wreaked devastation across seven of Eastpointe’s counties. In just a few short hours, the lives of so many people were unexpectedly changed in ways that they never imagined. And after the wind and rain was gone, the hurt, pain, confusion, and fear remained for so many of our citizens. A lot of people needed help, direction, and support to recover from the emotional and psychological effects of the disaster, put the pieces of their lives back together, and move forward.

Twenty-two FEMA-trained counselors provided services in local communities through HOPE4NC. Eastpointe chose Easter Seals/UCP to serve the counties of Edgecombe, Lenoir, Sampson and Wayne in Eastpointe’s northern area; and chose RHA Health Services to serve Eastpointe’s southern counties of Bladen, Columbus and Robeson.

HOPE4NC included services that worked directly with individuals and families through the Crisis Counseling Program. The Crisis Counseling Program does not provide diagnostic and treatment services. The Crisis Counseling Program is home and community based, assesses strengths and coping skills, counsels on disaster-related issues, accepts content at face value, validates common reactions and experiences, has a psycho-educational focus, and does not collect identifying information.

Courtesy photo In the photo are members of the HOPE4NC Team: Ivan Pride (RHA), Dr. Kathy Smith (RHA), Melissa Harrell (Easter Seals UCP), Carlesha Suggs (Easter Seals UCP), Kathleen Edge, Martha Bromell (RHA), Karen Salacki (Eastpointe Chief of External Operations) and Cheryl Bryant (NCDHHS).
https://www.bladenjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_Eastpointe.jpgCourtesy photo In the photo are members of the HOPE4NC Team: Ivan Pride (RHA), Dr. Kathy Smith (RHA), Melissa Harrell (Easter Seals UCP), Carlesha Suggs (Easter Seals UCP), Kathleen Edge, Martha Bromell (RHA), Karen Salacki (Eastpointe Chief of External Operations) and Cheryl Bryant (NCDHHS).