Quad County SAVE Program

Helping individuals, families, and communities prevent substance use through education, connection, and support across Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, and Pender Counties.

What is Quad County SAVE?

Quad County SAVE (Serving and Advocating for Vital Equity) is a community-based program focused on substance use prevention in North Carolina and building stronger support systems for individuals and families in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, and Pender Counties. Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the program is operated by Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas and is open to all community members across four counties, at no cost. Whether you’re a teen making tough choices, a parent navigating a loved one’s challenges, or a local leader looking to make a difference, you’re not alone in this fight.

What we Offer

Youth & Family Prevention Workshops (FREE)

  • Substance use awareness for kids
  • How to say “no” to drugs
  • Peer pressure & refusal skills
  • Stress & mental health coping strategies
  • Healthy decision-making & goal setting
  • Anti-Bullying Campaign

    Adult Education & Trainings (FREE to the public and partners)

    • Mental Health First Aid
    • Substance use disorder education
    • Relapse prevention
    • Anger management
    • Multi-generational substance use
    • Risk factors in rural counties
    • Nicotine awareness
    • Understanding opioid use disorders
    • Understanding stimulant use disorder
    • Understanding alcohol use disorder
    • Pre-training & post-training survey gathering

      Community Engagement & Outreach (FREE)

      • School partnerships for prevention education
      • Parent workshops on talking to teens about drugs
      • Collaboration with substance use disorder providers, medical care providers, vocational rehabilitation providers, educators, judicial system professionals, local municipalities, law enforcement, mental health agencies, and faith-based organizations

      Leadership & Skills Development (FREE)

      • Peer leadership training for youth ambassadors
      • Conflict resolution & life skills workshops
      • Employment & education referrals
      • Job readiness & career exploration
      Training for Professionals & Community Partners (FREE)
      • Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) & substance use prevention training
      • Identifying early warning signs of substance use
      • Motivational interviewing techniques for educators & mentors
      • Understanding populations that are underserved and lack resources
      • Understanding the nature of addiction
      • Understanding the spectrum of substance use prevention
      Media & Awareness Campaigns
      • Social media awareness campaign
      • Anti-drug public service announcements (PSA)
      • Storytelling & lived-experience testimonials
      • Highlighting Quad County SAVE Coalition partners & providers

      Who Can Participate?

      • Youth ages 11+
      • Parents, guardians, and multi-generational families
      • Veterans and military families
      • Educators, schools, and community organizations
      • Individuals impacted by or at risk for substance use
      • Anyone living in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, or Pender County

      No insurance or referral needed. All services are free.

      Upcoming Events

      Want to host your own workshop?

      We’d be happy to coordinate a custom workshop for your company or organization.

      Contact us

      Be Part of the Solution

      Join the Quad County SAVE Program Coalition and take an active role in creating stronger, healthier communities across Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, and Pender Counties.

      Whether you’re a local service provider, nonprofit, educator, or advocate, your voice matters. Together, we can prevent substance misuse and provide the support our communities deserve.

      Why Partner with Us?

      Being part of the Coalition means more than just showing up. Here’s what you gain:

      Amplified Impact
      Collaborate across sectors for stronger, more coordinated prevention and recovery efforts.

      Resource Access
      Get exclusive access to training materials, funding leads, and outreach tools.

      Professional Development
      Attend specialized trainings, share best practices, and grow your team’s expertise.

      Visibility & Networking
      Build relationships with other mission-driven organizations and grow your reach.

      Policy &  Advocacy Support
      Add your voice to collective efforts that influence policy and promote long-term change.

      Community Trust
      Be seen as part of a trusted local network working to address real community needs.

      Contact Us
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      Ready to Join the Coalition?

      We invite you to become a part of the Coalition and help advocate for those underserved and at risk of substance use challenges.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Who is eligible to attend workshops?


      Anyone living in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, or Pender Counties. No documentation required.

      How much do workshops cost?

      They are completely free, thanks to SAMHSA funding.

      Can I volunteer even if I’m not in one of the four counties?

      Yes—reach out through our form and we’ll explore ways you can help.

      Are services confidential?


      Yes. Everything we do is rooted in dignity, safety, and respect.

      You are not alone

      Whether you’re facing challenges, looking for ways to help, or simply want to learn more—Quad County SAVE s your local resource for substance use prevention in North Carolina. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier future for our counties.

      273 W Oliver Street Whiteville, NC 28472

      For more information, contact the Quad County SAVE Team – quadsave@voacarolinas.org or 910-212-5803 ext. 50049