Addiction Professionals of North Carolina announced two new centers funded by the NC Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Use Services: the Center of Excellence for Addiction Policy and Practice (CEGAPP) and the Professional Development Center (PDC). The announcement reflects the organization’s focus on supporting and bolstering the behavioral health workforce while addressing critical issues facing the addiction field.
Gambling Addiction Focus
CEGAPP addresses growing problem gambling and gambling addiction by equipping addiction providers with tools and resources to assist individuals facing gambling disorder. Since the deregulation of sports betting on personal devices, gambling has become more common among all demographics in North Carolina. The center will develop resources for providers, education and trainings on gambling prevention and treatment, thought leadership on problem gambling and gambling addiction, and policy initiatives supporting prevention and recovery.
Professional Development
The PDC is designed to strengthen core professional skills essential to the addiction workforce through training, mentorship, and leadership development. APNC members noticed a gap between workforce and professional development—while recruitment efforts exist, retention and career advancement remain challenges. The PDC will focus on professional development skills such as professional etiquette, communication, and workplace habits, as well as education and training to enhance leadership, supervision, and organizational effectiveness.
Continued Support
Both centers address critical workforce challenges the addiction field is facing. The organization plans to connect emerging professionals with experienced leaders to foster growth, retention, and advancement. For more information on these programs, individuals can email the association or visit apnc.org.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/addiction-professionals-of-north-carolina-announces-two-new-centers-to-address-behavioral-health-workforce-and-gambling-crises-in-north-carolina-302559123.html