Addressing the Opioid Crisis in North Carolina’s Coastal Areas
On September 19, 2025, Morehead City will host a pivotal conference focusing on the opioid and substance use challenges facing North Carolina’s rural coastal communities. The event aims to unite local leaders, peer support specialists, and policymakers to tackle the unique hurdles these communities face.
Kelly Crosbie, Director of the Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Use Services at the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, will deliver the keynote speech. She will explore the impact of opioid use on these communities, which often lack sufficient access to care and treatment while grappling with social stigma.
Jointly organized by Hope Mission of Coastal Carolina and Eastern AHEC, the conference will also feature a breakout session titled “The Synergy Between Providers and Policy Leaders: Best Practices and Promising Strategies,” which will include NCDHHS staff participation.
Event Details
What: Keynote address at Conference on Opioid Epidemic in Rural Coastal Communities
Who: Kelly Crosbie, Director, Division on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, NCDHHS; Maggie Sauer, Director, Office of Rural Health, NCDHHS; DeDe Severino, Assistant Director, Addictions and Management Operations Team, NCDHHS
When: Sept. 19, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Keynote Address: 9:30 -10 a.m.; “The Synergy Between Providers and Policy Leaders” Panel: 1-2 p.m.
Where: The Elizabeth and Doug Townsend Event Hall & Grand Foyer and Bill and Beth Henderson Gallery, Carteret Community College Hospitality & Culinary Arts Center Facility, 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557
Media: Credentialed media wishing to attend and speak with Director Crosbie should RSVP at news@dhhs.nc.gov
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