National Prevention Week 2025 is taking place May 11–17 this year to highlight the importance of substance use prevention. In recognition, we are spotlighting Substance Use Prevention team members who help support individuals, families and communities in building healthier futures.
Pictured: Reginald, Lynn, Tamala, Debbie.
Reginald is a Prevention Specialist in Greenville, NC. He focuses on raising awareness and educating the community about the harmful effects of substance use. Through community outreach and public education, Reginald highlights how substance use impacts individuals, families and entire communities. “Recognizing National Prevention Week is vital because prevention is the first step toward equipping our community with the knowledge they need to make better choices. I believe education is the foundation for creating stronger, healthier communities. I’m proud of the lasting impact our Prevention Team makes across the region.”
Lynn is a Prevention Specialist, who supports Nash and Edgecombe counties in North Carolina. She works directly with students to teach refusal skills and coping strategies while providing education about the risks of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. The goal is to educate young people early so they understand the risks of substance use and other high-risk behaviors. “It’s important to raise awareness and educate communities about substance misuse. Prevention education is essential to building healthy students and stronger communities,” says Lynn. “I’m proud that Easterseals PORT Health’s prevention efforts have been recognized and commended by local schools, where students and staff alike rely on our programming and support. Students depend on us for information, daily interaction and compassion. We’ve been told by our stakeholders that they wouldn’t know what to do without our valuable services.”
Tamala is a Prevention Specialist who provides substance use education, evidence-based prevention programs like I’m Special and Life Skills Training and early intervention services to youth and their families. She collaborates with community coalitions, law enforcement, schools, churches and other local partners to prevent non-medical substance use through the Strategic Prevention Framework. Tamala also offers merchant education within the counties she serves.
Debbie is a Prevention Manager. She ensures team members have the support needed to serve our communities effectively. She also works behind the scenes in helping to deliver essential prevention information to the community. “Prevention is a key part of the care process. It helps people and communities avoid substance use and supports overall well-being,” says Debbie. “It isn’t just about substance use. It’s also about strengthening communities, reducing risks, increasing protection and promoting overall wellness. I’m grateful that Easterseals PORT Health’s prevention programs are free and provides individuals with access to life-changing resources.”
Easterseals PORT Health’s Substance Use Prevention program proudly serves Craven, Edgecombe, Greene, Jones, Pamlico, Pitt, Nash and Wilson counties in North Carolina. We are grateful for our incredible Prevention Team for their dedication and the impact they’re making in the community! Learn more at eastersealsport.com/prevention
ABOUT US
Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, behavioral health and addiction treatment services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.
