A new resource is coming to Sampson County through the Coharie Tribal Center, with a series of healing circles beginning this month. It’s focus — overdose prevention.
The Sampson County Coharie Tribal Center is hosting the circles under the theme “healing our community through collaboration, communication and conversation.” Wendy Locklear, victim services advocate for the Coharie community and Sampson County Indian educator, stressed that everyone is welcome at the Aug. 25 workshop and future workshops.
The N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs received a grant that is being put into action in Sampson County through monthly healing circles. August is recognized as an overdose prevention awareness month, leading to the topic for this month’s healing circle, though Locklear stressed that the subject “should be popular every month.”
The community resource was awarded in April and was also provided to three other American Indian communities: the Lumbee, Haliwa-Saponi and Occaneechi. The grant is intended to provide resources to those who might not otherwise receive them.
The Aug. 25 workshop is for students and their caregivers, as well as other adults interested in learning about overdose prevention. Middle and high school students are the primary age groups, but younger students may also attend.
“Parents just be in mind of the subject matter,” Locklear emphasized.
“I’m not turning anyone away,” Locklear stated, highlighting that the resources are available to the community and that participants do not have to be tribal members to attend the workshops.
According to Locklear, the healing circle is intended to raise awareness, provide resources and support families and friends. Topics will include harm reduction and safety, stigma associated with overdose and lifesaving procedures.
Locklear also described the circle as an opportunity for participants to discuss what may be going on in their lives, learn coping skills, receive resources and connect with others who may have similar experiences.
Locklear emphasized that this will be the first of multiple healing circles and said she hopes community members will take part. She highlighted her desire to be a resource not only to tribal members, but to people throughout Sampson County.
The overdose prevention workshop will include a licensed social worker as well as Dr. Robin Cooper, both from the Union district, leading the workshop. The Health Department is also collaborating on the event.
Locklear emphasized that the workshop is for “every community, every family” and said she hopes anyone interested will feel welcome to attend.
“I serve the Coharie community, but I serve all of Sampson County, too,” Locklear explained, adding that many people are not aware of resources available not only to Coharie Tribe members, but to others throughout the county.
Locklear stressed that youth need an outlet to talk openly about these topics, which is why the workshop will be separated into two groups: youth and caregivers or adults. She emphasized wanting participants to have privacy and feel comfortable speaking openly.
“This event is free; we respect privacy, and there is absolutely no judgement,” Locklear shared. “As a community we should band together because family members hang in the balance.”
She added that she hopes people will realize the program is a resource for whoever may need it.
“We welcome anyone. That’s the whole point,” Locklear stressed.
The Coharie Tribal Center offers other resources to tribal members and the community. Those available to the public include a food pantry that is open once a month and a community garden with seasonal produce.
“We need to be united as a whole community,” Locklear urged, sharing her hope that the programs and resources will bring people in Sampson County together.