Substance Abuse Committee

Action Plan

This committee coordinates efforts on awareness, treatment, and prevention of substance abuse and addiction illnesses. It is responsible for bringing together resources and efforts to address these issues in the Durham community. This group will use many of the community recommendations from the April 2005 Duke Health Summit, "Addiction Disease - Opening a Window", as a foundation for its action plan.

Baseline Study of Substance Abuse in Durham, 2007

This report is a thorough examination of the breadth and characteristics of substance abuse in our county. Please have a look, spread the word, and fill in our online survey about the report.

Community Referral Directory

The Substance Abuse Committee has collaborated with Duke University Health System's Office of Community Relations to put together the Durham County Substance Abuse Referral Directory. It contains information about substance abuse treatment options in Durham. Please download and share it broadly throughout the community.

Recovery Celebration 2007

dancing at Recovery Celebration 2007The Recovery Celebration was a huge success again this year! Hundreds of people enjoyed the music, food, and performances, including the TROSA jazz band. There were over 20 exhibitors this year. Speakers discussed the importance of substance abuse treatment in Durham. Several people in recovery talked about their incredible and inspiring journeys through addiction and treatment. The event was entertaining, informative, and moving. Thank you to everyone who participated and attended!crowd-RC2007 (49K)
Sharon on stage at Recovery Celebration 2007

Recovery Celebration Block Party 2006

block party parade

The first ever "Recovery Celebration Block Party" on September 28 was a success, thanks to everyone involved. Hundreds of people came to downtown Durham to dance, eat, listen, and learn about substance abuse recovery.

announcer on stage

Music played all afternoon and into the evening, featuring the excellent TROSA band's live music, on stages and in tents provided by Durham Parks and Recreation. Over 20 exhibitors displayed information on substance abuse treatment and prevention, housing, HIV and STDs, nutrition, and many others.

band on stage

We enjoyed visits from Wool E. Bull of the Durham Bulls and a fire truck from the Durham Fire Department. Tiffany's Catering provided the food, and we appreciated in-kind donations from Krogers, Coca-Cola, and Starbucks.

Wool E. Bull with young friend

Speakers inspired us throughout the event - they included Ellen Holliman and Doug Wright from the Durham Center, Kurtis Taylor from Oxford Houses, Dennis Garrett and friends from Love and Respect, Jesse Battle from TROSA, Diane Catotti and Mike Woodard of the Durham City Council, and Lewis Cheek from the Durham Board of County Commissioners, among many others.

Thank you to everyone involved!

Standing Meetings

We meet on the Fourth Thursdays of the month, 3:30-5:00, at The Durham Center (501 Willard St.).

Meetings in 2008: