Southeastern Prevention & Addiction Recovery Resource Center

SPARC works closely with the Robeson Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) Consortium, a coalition of multi-sector agencies dedicated to prevention, treatment, and recovery for substance use disorders. The Consortium's goal is to strengthen and expand services in rural areas, enhancing access to treatment and supporting recovery among residents of Robeson County.

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SPARC supports collaborative teams of faculty, students, and community-based organizations conducting community-based participatory research. These efforts aim to identify gaps and barriers in substance recovery, fostering a more comprehensive and integrated continuum of care beginning in Robeson County and expanding throughout Southeastern North Carolina.Back to Top

In its first year (2021), SPARC focused on coalition recruitment and building based on a needs assessment conducted by RHCC. Serving as a coordination hub, SPARC extended invitations to all county coalitions and service providers treating substance misuse, fostering a collaborative effort to address local challenges.Back to Top

While stipends were provided during the initial three years (2021–2024), membership in the RCORP Consortium remains open. Criteria for joining include:

• Attending all monthly consortium meetings

• Actively participating in the strategic plan, including serving on subcommittees and collaborating with other members

• Coordinating orientation for organization employees

• Collecting and submitting required forms, such as client feedback questionnaires and data collection forms

These responsibilities ensure active engagement and contribution to the consortium's objectives.

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During years two and three, SPARC supported addiction specialist workforce development by providing exam preparation packages to community partners pursuing licensure as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC), Certified Clinical Supervisors (CCS), and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists (LCAS). This initiative continues to offer resources and training opportunities for members to enhance their professional capabilities.

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SPARC's deliverables include:

• Expanding existing coalitions through community mobilization to include housing, transportation, and employment providers

• Conducting financial/resource mapping to address capacity concerns in rural Robeson County

• Analyzing data to refine community interventions

• Coordinating, supporting, and tracking students entering the qualified addiction professionals’ workforce in Robeson County

These efforts aim to establish a model of collaboration and coordination that can be replicated throughout Southeastern North Carolina.

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View the WBTW news story that aired regarding the Southeastern Prevention and Addiction Recovery Resource Center (SPARC) being led by Dr. Kennard DuBose in the Department of Social Work and supported by Dr. Jackie Davis in the CHS Community Health & Wellness Institute. 

5 P.M. Story & Article

6 P.M. Story

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