The Mitchell Yancey Substance Abuse Task Force is pleased to announce that the group has hired Robert Heffron as its new Coordinator. Rob has spent more than 20 years in the field of law firm business development and communications and recently relocated to the area. Pharmacist Mechelle Akers, chair of the Task Force commented, “ It was Rob’s law firm role as Director of Community Affairs that the search committee found especially appealing. His involvement with numerous civic organizations and charitable causes including Habitat for Humanity, Women in Distress and Kids in Distress among others led us to the conclusion that he would be a perfect fit for the needs of the Task Force.”  Rob highlighted his desire “to shift from a more corporate background to one where he has an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in the community affected by substance abuse.” Rob is a new member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Spruce Pine and he has joined the board of the Creek Walk Arts Festival as Vice-Chair.

As Coordinator, Rob will be principally involved in facilitating community assessment, formulating goals and objectives and administering activities as part of the North Carolina Coalition Initiative. The North Carolina Coalition Initiative (NCCI) is a program funded with Cross Area Service Program (CASP) funds through the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, with direction and technical assistance provided by the NCCI Coordinating Center at Wake Forest School of Medicine.

The Task Force is comprised of committed volunteers, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, public health administrators, government officials, law enforcement, parents, clergy and concerned citizens. Under the umbrella of the Graham Children’s Health  Services the Task Force has contributed greatly to the prevention of substance abuse in  Yancey and  Mitchell counties sponsoring drug take back days, teen events, a Summer Activity Directory for Youth and a Substance Abuse Resource Guide.

For further information on the Mitchell-Yancey Substance Abuse Task Force contact  Rob Heffron.at 828-682-7899 or by e-mail at rob.heffron@trhd.dst.nc.us.