ELIZABETHTOWN — Two meetings to share information on opioids, alcohol and other substance abuse have been set up by Bladen County’s Opioid Task Force.
The first is at the Bladen County Public Library in Elizabethtown on July 25 at 6:30 p.m. The second is at the Health Department on Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Dr. Cathy Gantz, program coordinator, said in a news release these abuses “continue to take a dramatic toll on the residents and families of Bladen County. Because of this continued concern, the county requested assistance from the Kate B. Reynolds Foundation to conduct a county-wide needs assessment in order to develop a strategic action plan. The county will begin to identify the depth of the issue, identify services and community supports needed to combat the issue of substance abuse.”
The task force and the county’s contractor will hold forums in five of Bladen County’s communities, with a goal to reach out to a wider cross-section of professionals and services. Information gathered will be used to develop a strategic plan for the county.
More information is available by calling Gantz at 910-872-6256.