CORE Partners with Robeson Community College for First Responder Training
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 23, 2026
LUMBERTON, N.C. — Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE), in partnership with Robeson Community College (RCC), the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, and board-certified addiction medicine physicians, recently hosted Front Line Skills for Substance Abuse in the Community, an innovative eight-hour training designed to equip first responders with the skills to respond more effectively and compassionately to individuals experiencing substance use disorders.
The hands-on training emphasized person-first language, de-escalation techniques, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and collaboration with local treatment providers. Participants also engaged in realistic simulations that highlighted the challenges individuals with substance use disorders often face while navigating healthcare, treatment, housing, probation, and the court system.
“Since 2022, CORE has supported people with substance use disorders and understands that addiction affects every part of life,” said Linda Oxendine, North Carolina Area Director for CORE. “In partnership with Robeson Community College, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, and addiction medicine physicians, we developed this training to help first responders reduce stigma, respond with compassion, and connect individuals to hope, healing, and recovery while making our communities safer.”
The curriculum was developed by Robyn Jordan, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist, Addiction Medicine Specialist, and Founder of Addiction Medicine Partners.
“This training was designed to help officers shift their language so they can shift their responses,” said Dr. Jordan. “By focusing on listening, compassion, and understanding the complex systems many individuals navigate, we connected law enforcement with local treatment providers and helped reframe conversations about substance use, ultimately improving safety, trust, and outcomes for everyone in Robeson County.”
“Our deputies and first responders are committed to protecting life,” said Sheriff Burnis Wilkins. “Training like this provides the knowledge and confidence to safely respond, de-escalate critical situations, and administer life-saving naloxone when every second counts. We appreciate CORE’s commitment to strengthening our communities and fully support this important initiative.”
Thirty-three first responders from the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, Lumberton Police Department, Lumbee Tribe Security, and Lumbee Tribe CERT completed the inaugural training.
The next Front Line Skills for Substance Abuse in the Community training will be held August 27 at Robeson Community College. The training is free for law enforcement personnel and $70 for non-law enforcement participants. Registration is available through RCC’s Continuing Education Division.
For media inquiries, please contact Courtney Jacobs, Executive Director of Governance and Marketing, at 910-272-3231 or cjacobs@robeson.edu.
