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Senate budget includes $1.5 million for addiction rehab center

State Sen. Chuck Edwards poses with Executive Director Craig Halford, of First Contact Ministries, which stands to receive a $1.5 million grant if the Legislature adopts the appropriation in the Senate budget.

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 22, 2021

State Sen. Chuck Edwards announced that weeks of budget work have now resulted in a plan that addresses the core needs of the state. 
One provision he is announcing ahead of many others is a $1.5 million grant directed to First Contact Ministries to construct a substance abuse rehabilitation facility in Henderson County. 
 

"Drug and alcohol addiction has become an 'unspoken pandemic,'" Edwards said. "It tears at the fabric of our society, destroys the lives of those affected and those who surround them. For 10 years, despite many obstacles, First Contact Ministries and their supporters have been giving their time, talent, and resources to save lives and help people get back on track. This grant will help them overcome one of their primary obstacles and amplify their vital service to our community. I'm proud to partner with Rep. Moffitt, Rep. Johnson, and the taxpayers of North Carolina to help solve a problem that has incalculable human and monetary costs."

"Addressing substance abuse disorder is a difficult undertaking, and the obstacles we face every day are daunting," said Craig Halford, executive director of First Contact. "This award will allow First Contact's vision of providing a faith-based rehabilitation facility in Henderson County to now become a reality. It will literally save lives and give hope to those desperately seeking to break the bondage of addiction."

A ministry of Mud Creek Baptist Church, First Contact Ministries got its start as a weekly support group for family members, as well as a mentor group for individuals seeking recovery support. In time and as word of the much-needed assistance spread, the organization has grown, along with their vision for expansion.