Testimonial Archives - First Contact Ministries- Western North Carolina

Safety a Priority as “Used” Needle Problem Increases in Store Restrooms

Everybody loves a good convenience store. Fast service, clean restrooms, and hot coffee make them the ideal place to stop off in a jiffy. For Norm’s Minit Mart, a family-owned, local convenience store chain, keeping the restrooms clean had become more of a challenge as the drug crisis in Henderson County worsens.

“People were leaving used drug needles on the floor, in the garbage bins, and flushing them down the toilets”, said Norm’s VP Michael Gordon. Cleaning up was a costly and dangerous process. When one of the employees was stuck with a needle while emptying the trash, Norm’s knew they had to do something to increase safety conditions for their staff and customers.

Their solution? Permanently affix used-needle “sharps” containers to the restroom walls. But, Norm’s didn’t stop there. They contacted First Contact with an idea for offering needle users with a more lasting type of assistance; an “advertisement” of sorts for First Contact’s services that would be attached directly to the disposal container. The idea was simple, but impactful. First Contact provided adhesive stickers, with an offer for help, and a number to call.

Months later, Norm’s is pleased to report that restroom patrons ARE using the containers for needle disposal, making the rooms safer for everyone. First Contact is measuring success in their own way.

To date, three individuals report coming directly from a Norm’s Minit Mart restroom to the office for help with addiction. One person was placed into the hospital for detox within a couple of hours, with arrangements secured for entry into a rehab facility after their medical needs were addressed. “This is a classic example of what types of services First Contact provides for individuals who are ready to make the change”, notes FC Director Craig Halford.

Testimonial Story from a Family Member:

First Contact loves to hear “happy” news from individuals and family members who have been helped by our ministry along the way. Here’s what one family member had to say about the sharps boxes at Norm’s Minit Mart.

“I saw this (sharps container) in a bathroom at a convenience store today. It is a very sad time we live in. It breaks my heart. I have lost so many loved ones to addiction. I have lost my whole family to addiction. My kids are the only family I have with me and it is my biggest fear for them. I do my best to be completely open and honest with them about addiction, and the loved ones they once had in their lives that are no longer here because of it. I’m sharing this picture because thanks to First Contact Ministries and their help, I have my sister back after years of addiction. She isn’t close by but she is healthy and clean and keeps fighting. If it wasn’t for such loving and caring people to stick by her, not give up on her, and to continuously pray for her she may not be here today. If you need help and support [with addiction], contact these wonderful people. They truly are a blessing!❤”

On Friday, March 24, 2017, WLOS reporter John Le featured First Contact Director, Craig Halford, as the segment’s “Person of the Week”.

Click here to watch the interview.

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Addiction often destroys lives and leaves family members feeling helpless. Our Person of the Week, Craig Halford of Hendersonville, was empowered to make a dent in what’s become a national crisis.

“You have to have the whole community,” Halford said. “We need everyone working together.”

News 13 spoke to one of the people he’s helped at First Contact Addiction Ministry in Hendersonville. First Contact is holding an open house on Sunday, March 26, from 2-5 p.m.

“There is a guilt that comes along with the deception,” said a recovering addict who requested to be identified only as Becky.
So many stories of drug addiction begin the same way. We don’t show Becky’s face in our interview, yet you can almost see the despair in her eyes.

“It began with pain pills that were prescribed from a doctor for back pain,” she said.

After two years, the doctor cut her off.

“It led to other substance use, as well,” she recalled. “And buying pain pills off the street.”

Eventually, she turned to meth and heroine.

“Of course from there the addiction snowballed and got out of control,” Becky said.

When you’re fighting to get out of a dark place, finding your way back is a struggle.
Halford said when the addiction epidemic hit home, he was inspired to do something.

“That’s how First Contact began. We were all struggling with family members,” he explained. He founded First Contact six years ago, sparked by emotional experience.

“I know the pain from the family side,” he told News 13. “I know the struggle of lying in bed at night waiting for that phone call. Worrying about will it be an overdose or will it be a car wreck.”

His non-profit provides a lifeline.

“We didn’t know where to go to get the help we needed,” Halford says. “Secondly, we found that our community services were completely overwhelmed.”

“He pours his heart and soul into what he does,'” Becky said. “He spends the majority of his life ministering, reaching out to the families.”

Becky went into in detox last July. She relapsed four months later, but after a rehab stint said she’s back on track.

“It’s tormenting. It’s a very desperate place to be,” she said. “It’s, honestly it’s just pure evil. There’s nothing good about it.”

Now, Becky’s a volunteer for First Contact.

“It’s OK to ask for help and have courage to do that,” she stressed.

Craig is constantly making calls and doing whatever it takes to help people turn the page. He treats the men and women he deals with as if they were relatives.

“I have family members who say, ‘You saved my life.'” Craig said.

“The power of that is incredible.”

He realizes behind every silhouette of an addict fighting for their life, there’s a window of opportunity.

“God does not want you to live in this darkness,” Becky said.

Local Convenience Chain Installs Needle Boxes

Safety a Priority as “Used” Needle Problem Increases in Store Restrooms

Testimonial Story from a Family Member:

Craig Halford – WLOS Person of the Week

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