Advocacy
Prevention
Harm Reduction
Treatment
Sustained Recovery
Future-Focused Vision
What purpose do we serve
MPSA is an organization of Partners who deliver direct services or directly interact to populations of residents across McDowell County. Partners are engaged in addressing or responding to immediate needs of residents.
On-demand services for substance use challenges.
Seamless case management system for residents.
Access to stable housing and meaningful activities.
Empowered residents making healthy choices.
Vision and Role of MPSA
Residents We Serve
MPSA is a convener of organizations and the change agent to achieve a long-term vision to improve the substance use landscape of McDowell County.
-
Residents in active addiction
-
Unhoused residents
-
Justice involved residents
-
Residents seeking services for behavioral and/or mental health issues
-
Responders to resident urgent needs across the County
-
Community initiatives to engage residents to address social, political, and cultural changes through communication, collaboration, and connection.
The Benefit to the Community
The Individual's Benefit: Holistic Recovery Support
The benefit to individuals include access to a Recovery Oriented System of Care that surrounds and supports the whole person. The individual is surrounded and supported by a complete system focused on returning the person to health and enabling full reintegration into mainstream society with the tools and knowledge needed for resilience and resistance.
A thriving individual reduces the need for costly services and contributes positively to the community.
NC Recovery Friendly Workplaces foster opportunity, reduce absenteeism, minimize accidents, and enhance productivity.
Steady employment boosts economic growth and creates a healthy workforce, attracting businesses and investors.
Recovery stories shared by individuals inspire hope and encourage change, among others.
The Financial Benefit to McDowell County
Shifting the Focus to Prevention and Early Intervention
MPSA is adjusting the perception that treatment and recovery investment are best place for funding. Treatment and recovery will always be an immediate/present need. Investing in education, prevention, early intervention, and harm-reduction – children, adolescents, and families – will reduce the number of people needing treatment and recovery services.
MPSA is dedicated to fostering economic growth and reducing the cost of essential services for individuals and families.
Integrated programs for affordable housing, training, and family wrap-around services expand the tax base.
.png){kind=small}
A thriving, stable workforce attracts new businesses and economic investment in McDowell County.
Our initiatives focus on providing affordable resources, improving access to care, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Shaping the Future
MPSA’s Approach to Reducing Substance Use
MPSA listens to the people engaged in substance use to understand the needs leading to the origination of use, working to reduce the demand for substances. When the demand for substances is reduces, the supply of illicit substances or misuse of legal substances is no longer a viable business, so the volume of substances coming into the County is reduced.
Reduce demand for substances through education and prevention.
Address supply by making illicit trade unsustainable.
How can I or my organization because involved or a partner?
Show Up, Speak Up, Learn, Get Involved
Statistics reveal that over 50% of the population has been impacted by substance use, either personally or indirectly. Situational embarrassment can be overcome by recognizing that others share similar experiences. Attending events such as Overdose Awareness Day, September Recovery Month activities, or school programs during Red Ribbon Week helps raise awareness. Engage in learning opportunities about substance use trends, youth experimentation, and the associated dangers. Stay informed by participating in sessions or listening to podcasts by experts in the field.
Learn
Educate yourself by exploring professional resources on behavioral and mental health challenges. Stay updated on substance use trends, including prescription drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and illicit substances, as well as the dangers of polysubstance use. Recognize early signs of misuse or danger signals and learn how to secure legal substances. Develop effective communication strategies to discuss these topics with children, adolescents, and seniors.
Volunteer
Reach out to organizations or agencies working to address substance use issues and volunteer your time. Whether it’s assisting at an information booth or leading a discussion in your community, your involvement can make a difference. Consider becoming a financial donor to support these organizations while learning more about the valuable services they provide.
Open Minds to the Facts
Substance use is the great equalizer, ignoring gender, age, sexual orientation, education, or economic status. It is vital to understand that substance use is an illness requiring resilience and resistance skills from an early age. “Just STOP” is not a viable solution, as addiction is not a choice, even if initial consumption may have been. Recovery is far more than sobriety or abstinence—it is a holistic process that requires understanding, support, and community engagement.