Senator Doug Berger (center) cuts the ribbon
at the Lake Area Recovery Home
Norlina -- On March 20, Senator Doug Berger attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Lake Area Recovery Home in Norlina in Warren County. Dr. Ken Blackman, the CEO of Lake Area Counseling, hopes the Home will reintroduce substance abusers to productive, sober lives in the Five-County community.
Senator Berger praised the efforts of Dr. Blackman, saying “This speaks well of the community and the values the community has. We are judged by how we help those in need.” The Senator emphasized the need for increased funding for mental health and substance abuse. As co-chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, Senator Berger mentioned the need to “prioritize to help those afflicted with substance abuse.”
Additionally, Senator Berger recognized the need for more grassroots oriented, community-run programs like the Lake Area Recovery Home. “What’s happening here at the local level is the positive side of what we’re trying to do in Raleigh.