Early Intervention and Prevention Services Annual Report 2025

SCOSAR Early Intervention Annual Report 2025.pdf

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Introduction: A Year of Resilience and Connection

In 2025, the Surry County Office of Substance Abuse Recovery (SCOSAR) remained steadfast in its commitment to addressing the complexities of substance use through a holistic, data-driven, and community-centered approach. Throughout the year, SCOSAR advanced a comprehensive early intervention strategy designed not only to prevent substance use but to actively foster youth well-being and community resiliency. By bridging the gap between evidence-based programming and local partnerships, SCOSAR has built a "Continuum of Care" that serves as a protective shield for the county’s most vulnerable populations.

Mission and Strategic Vision

The core mission of SCOSAR is to reduce risk factors and foster protective environments through education, advocacy, and direct support. This mission is guided by a long-term vision, exemplified by the development of the Surry Strategic Framework 2030. In 2025, SCOSAR laid the groundwork for this framework by conducting confidential community interviews with 96 members to identify service gaps and ensure future strategies are rooted in a shared community vision.

Unprecedented Reach and Impact

The scale of SCOSAR’s impact in 2025 is reflected in its reach across the county:

• Youth Engagement: SCOSAR served a total of 11,216 youth through its diverse array of early intervention and prevention programs.

• Substance Abuse Prevention: The annual Red Ribbon Week alone reached 9,482 students across elementary, middle, and high schools.

• Professional Training: SCOSAR conducted 60 peer-based training programs, reaching 1,483 unique participants.

• Community Feedback: Participant satisfaction remains high, with 80.9% of early intervention participants reporting satisfaction and 74.2% actively using the skills and knowledge gained.
  

SCOSAR’s success in 2025 was built upon four primary pillars of service:

Evidence-Based Youth Programming

At the heart of SCOSAR’s work are curricula like Resist the Influence, which reached 697 ninth graders to address mental health and substance use. Younger students participated in programs like Media Detective, which teaches 4th graders to critically deconstruct substance-related advertising, and Catch My Breath, which we used to focus on medication safety for Pre-K through 5th graders.

Relational Support and Early Intervention

Recognizing the importance of social connections, SCOSAR maintained weekly support groups such as Girl’s Circle, which empowers girls ages 9–18 to build resiliency and self-efficacy. Partnerships with local agencies, such as the Children’s Center of Northwest North Carolina, provided consistent mentorship and skill-building for local students.

Collaborative Community Partnerships

SCOSAR’s work is amplified through robust collaborations with organizations like the All-Stars Prevention Coalition and The Children’s Center. Initiatives like PaCEs (Positive Childhood Experience) and events such as Family Fun Day and Seeds of Hope Camp demonstrate the power of collective action in supporting at-risk youth and foster families.

Leadership and Workforce Development

To ensure the sustainability of its efforts, SCOSAR prioritizes internal professional development and leadership training. In 2025, staff and community members were trained in the HOPE Framework, Mental Health First Aid, Nonviolent Crises Intervention and Responding to Addiction. Furthermore, the SCOSAR Internship Program provided five students with hands-on experience in community health, cultivating the next generation of local leaders.

Innovation in Recovery: The Council of Lived Experience (COLE)

A landmark achievement in 2025 was the formation of the Council of Lived Experience (COLE) in September. By elevating the voices of individuals and families who have directly navigated recovery, incarceration, and behavioral health challenges, COLE ensures that SCOSAR’s recovery and justice support services remain relevant, accessible, and effective.

Looking Ahead

As SCOSAR transitions into the next phase of its strategic planning, the 2025 report serves as both a reflection on a year of significant growth and a blueprint for the future. By continuing to synthesize qualitative community insights with data-informed care, SCOSAR remains dedicated to curbing the addiction crisis and fostering a healthier, more resilient Surry County for generations to come.