RALEIGH — Richmond County was represented in Raleigh this week during Primary Prevention Advocacy Day, following the first annual North Carolina Primary Prevention Conference held at North Carolina State University.
Matthew Davis joined members of the Richmond County Drug Endangered Family Task Force, including Tammy Gainey, Stephanie Hoover, Theressa Smith, Kelly Hutchinson, and Beverly Crouse, for two days of training, collaboration, and advocacy focused on prevention strategies that protect children, strengthen families, and address substance use challenges across North Carolina.
The group was selected to attend a legislative breakfast before meeting with Senator Dave Craven to discuss the issues facing Richmond County. The conversation focused on the local impact of substance use, drug-endangered children and families, the need for stronger prevention systems, and the importance of coordinated community response.
“This was an important opportunity to make sure Richmond County’s needs were heard at the state level,” said Matthew Davis. “Our community is facing serious challenges, but we also have committed people working together to protect families, support recovery, and build stronger prevention efforts.”
Primary Prevention Advocacy Day served as the culmination of the team’s time in Raleigh, following the two-day conference. The event brought together leaders, service providers, prevention professionals, and community advocates to strengthen prevention-centered strategies across North Carolina.
For Richmond County, the experience reinforced the importance of local partnerships. The Drug Endangered Family Task Force continues to work across agencies and community organizations to identify gaps, strengthen services, and advocate for resources that address the needs of vulnerable children and families.
The Raleigh visit also highlighted the value of direct engagement with lawmakers. By meeting with Senator Craven, Richmond County representatives were able to share firsthand concerns from the community and emphasize the urgency of prevention-centered solutions.
“This work is about more than responding to crisis,” Davis said. “It is about building a system that prevents harm before it happens, supports families before they fall apart, and gives our children a safer future.”
Photo caption: Matthew Davis joined Tammy Gainey, Senator Dave Craven, Stephanie Hoover, Theressa Smith, Kelly Hutchinson, and Beverly Crouse in Raleigh during Primary Prevention Advocacy Day following the first annual NC Primary Prevention Conference at NC State.