Pitt County, NC
Pitt County Government
North carolina
Rural & Urban | Population: 175,119Located in eastern North Carolina, Pitt County is home to more than 170,000 residents and is emerging as a leader in advancing community wellness through treatment-focused programming for individuals impacted by substance use disorders. Pitt County faces a significant challenge with substance use disorders, particularly related to opioids and other illicit drugs. Overdose deaths in Pitt County have increased over the past decade, with annual deaths rising from fewer than 20 in 2012 to nearly 60 in 2021. In 2021, the estimated combined cost of medical care and statistical life lost from medication and drug overdose deaths in Pitt County was over $618 million, or about $3,380 per capita. Many incarcerated individuals lack basic resources such as transportation and safe housing, which are essential for sustained recovery and successful reentry into the community. Individuals with SUDs are at heightened risk of overdose upon release from jail or prison, due to decreased tolerance developed during incarceration.
Through its 2022 COSSUP-funded initiative, the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office is building on the success of two long-standing, evidence-based programs housed within the Pitt County Detention Center, the Sheriff’s Hope And Recovery Program (SHARP) and the Women’s Empowerment and Recovery (WEAR) program. These initiatives provide structured, therapeutic substance use disorder services to individuals in custody with a focus on preparing them for reentry and long-term recovery.
Key Components of the Program
Jail-Based Substance Use Disorder Screening and Treatment Services
Participation in the SHARP and WEAR programs is guided by a comprehensive clinical assessment that considers institutional behavior, medical and mental health status, and an official SUD diagnosis. Mental health needs and medication use do not disqualify individuals from participation. These efforts foster stronger therapeutic alliances and increase participants’ chances of long-term success.
60+
hours of weekly therapeutic services delivered
in 2024 alone…
100+
psychoeducational groups within sharp/wear facilitated
Revitalizing Youth Prevention
The relaunch of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program in Pitt County middle schools demonstrates a strategic investment in prevention during a critical developmental stage. Redesigned in 2012 by four major universities, the updated curriculum is grounded in evidence-based practices and better equipped to address contemporary issues such as substance use, mental health, and decision-making. With a strong emphasis on age-appropriate content, the program builds youth resilience, communication skills, and self-confidence, laying the groundwork for healthier long-term outcomes. The curriculum includes modules on opioid and prescription/over-the-counter drug misuse, vaping prevention, depression awareness, coping strategies, bullying, and effective communication. As part of the county-wide expansion, every student receives a DARE workbook, and dedicated DARE officers lead classroom sessions. The initiative also incorporates wellness-focused school visits from the Pitt County therapy dog, enriching the program’s outreach and impact.
520
students from nine schools graduated from dare in 2024
The program has already shown considerable reach and impact. In the current school year, 195 students are projected to graduate from the DARE program, with additional classes underway. Last year alone, 520 students from nine schools graduated from the DARE program. These accomplishments are celebrated through graduation events, including awards and community recognition, reinforcing student achievement and engagement. Positive feedback from educators, families, and students continues to affirm the value of the modernized curriculum. Beyond the classroom, the DARE initiative reduces stigma around substance use by facilitating open conversations between youth, law enforcement officers, educators, and community organizations. Through this updated approach, the program contributes to public safety and fosters a stronger, prevention-focused community culture.
Transportation Assistance
One of the most impactful components of the SHARP/WEAR program is the transportation assistance offered through Danny’s Ride. Danny’s Ride offers safe and reliable transportation to connect participants to critical services after release, including probation and treatment appointments, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) pickups, recovery housing transitions, and NA/AA meetings. The service ensures timely access to care and support, helping individuals stay engaged in their recovery and meet supervision requirements.
709
rides provided over the past year
Over the past year, the service has reached full utilization and has proven to be a critical resource for clients, staff, and care coordination efforts. As of October 2023, a web-based scheduling system has been fully operational and is now the primary tool for scheduling rides, with most referrals coming from probation and parole. The system’s integrated dashboard enables the team to generate utilization reports year-to-date, quarterly, or by individual client, ensuring transparent tracking of service usage. Monthly invoices provide a detailed ride breakdown, including user information, destination, and cost, allowing the program to cross-reference this data with active participant lists for internal control.
Community Partners
Pitt County Sheriff’s Office
Pitt Community College
East Carolina University
Easterseals PORT Health
Greenville Museum of Arts
Danny’s Ride
Wellpath
Conclusion
Looking ahead, the Pitt County COSSUP initiative is focused on expanding services within the detention center, strengthening partnerships with justice and community stakeholders, and enhancing data collection to evaluate long-term outcomes. A top priority is securing sustainable county funding to continue and grow these efforts beyond the grant period. The program team is actively engaged with the sheriff’s office and exploring the submission of a formal proposal for local investment. Encouragingly, the sheriff has strongly supported the program, acknowledging its positive impact on individuals and community safety. The project prioritizes education and awareness to foster a more supportive and informed community response. Notable accomplishments include increased access to treatment and reentry supports, such as rideshare transportation, and the integration of updated, evidence-based prevention curricula. These efforts have significantly reduced barriers to recovery, broadened the program’s reach, and deepened collaboration across systems, positioning Pitt County as a leader in innovative, recovery-oriented approaches to community safety and wellness.
Project Director
Anita Moreno, Grant & Specialized Programs Administrator
Pitt County Sheriff’s Office
anita.moreno@pittcountync.gov
252-902-2704
This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA23GK02258COAP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.