As looters targeted prescription drugs following April’s tornado disaster, substance abuse providers and school officials joined forces to catalogue medication that was stored in the damaged middle school. Over 800 students attended Greene County Middle School and were unable to return to the facility because of the damage the school sustained. Like many schools, Greene County students’ daily prescription medication was housed at school.

The Coalition, a statewide group of 40 organizations and their members advocating in partnership to meet the needs of individuals managing disabilities, mental illness or the disease of addiction, reports that PORT Human Services, an agency based out of Greenville, NC has been a partner in assisting families impacted by the tornado disaster with the staff at PORT playing a key role in Greene County. Knowing the high rates of prescription drug abuse among youth, Greene County Middle School nurses and Port Human Services Prevention Director, Debbie Sudekum prioritized accounting for medication housed in the damaged building. Ms. Sudekum noted that she and her agency colleagues understand that traumatic events can have long term impact on children and youth, putting them at risk for many future medical and behavioral programs. “It has been amazing to watch the people in this community come together” said Sudekum. “We have worked hard to provide for people’s basic needs but as mental health and substance abuse professionals we are also focused on increasing the protective factors that will decrease the possible long term impact on youth and their families.”

Phil Mooring, Executive Director of the NC Parent Network Executive Director and President of the North Carolina Substance Abuse Prevention Providers Association indicated that substance abuse professionals understand well the linkages between trauma, stress and alcohol and substance abuse. “Our programs are committed to keeping families healthy and are ready to step up in communities like Greene County” said Mr. Mooring. According to the federal Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, youth over age 11 are from 37%-50% more likely to use drugs and alcohol if they have experienced trauma.

Sudekum noted that Port Human Services will be offering expanded substance abuse prevention programming in Greene County this summer. Additionally, PORT will provide other collaborative efforts including replacing school supplies, band instruments, and working with Project Linus to provide blankets for youth, providing crisis counseling as well as offering funding through the Beacon Center for respite services.

To learn more about substance abuse prevention and treatment programs in your community and to access services for children please visit: http://www.porthumanservices.org/. To learn more about The Coalition and issues affecting people managing disabilities, mental illness or the disease of addiction, visit www.thecoalitionnc.org.