Credentialed media are invited to attend the "Responding to the Opioid and Substance Use Crisis in North Carolina’s Rural Coastal Communities" conference on September 19, 2025, in Morehead City. 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 address on how opioid use impacts rural coastal communities.
The conference aims to bring together local decision-makers, peer support specialists and policy makers to discuss the unique challenges the opioid crisis presents to coastal communities.
Coastal communities often have limited access to care and treatment resources as well as facing social stigma surrounding opioid use. These present daily challenges to those seeking treatment.
This conference is jointly provided by Hope Mission of Coastal Carolina and Eastern AHEC. Additionally, NCDHHS staff will participate in an afternoon breakout session, "The Synergy Between Providers and Policy Leaders: Best Practices and Promising Strategies."
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: Best Practices and Promising Strategies" 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 who are interested in attending and speaking with Director Crosbie should rsvp to news@dhhs.nc.gov