SCOSAR Launches SUD Prevention Knowledge Survey for Surry County

Surry County Office of Substance Abuse Recovery and Addiction Policy Forum Launch Community Survey to Measure Substance Use Disorder Prevention Knowledge

DOBSON, NC — The Surry County Office of Substance Abuse Recovery (SCOSAR) is proud to announce the launch of a community-wide survey initiative in partnership with the Addiction Policy Forum (APF) to measure substance use disorder (SUD) prevention knowledge among Surry County residents. This effort reflects SCOSAR's ongoing commitment to building a comprehensive "Continuum of Care" for County residents — one that incorporates prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery.

About the Survey

SCOSAR, established to address Surry County's growing substance use challenges, is inviting all community members to participate in a brief, anonymous online survey developed in partnership with the Addiction Policy Forum. The survey is designed to measure community knowledge of SUD risk factors and prevention strategies, and to identify where targeted education and interventions are most needed. The survey takes approximately 5 to ten minutes to complete and is completely voluntary and confidential. Results will be used to strengthen local prevention planning and improve community responses to addiction.

Take the Survey Now: https://form.jotform.com/Jamie_Edwards_edwardsj/sud-prevention-knowledge-scale

Learn more about the APF tool: https://www.addictionpolicy.org/post/use-apf-s-new-tools-to-measure-substance-use-disorder-knowledge-in-your-community

Background and Context

SCOSAR was created by the Surry County government and has grown to serve as the County's primary office dedicated exclusively to addressing substance use disorder. The office is dedicated to aiding in the development of a healthy and safe community by supporting individuals through prevention, treatment, recovery support services, and educational services within the community and justice system.

Current Situation

Substance use disorder remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Surry County, deeply affecting individuals, families, schools, workplaces, and the justice system. The Surry County Community Perspectives report, published as part of the Surry Strategic Framework 2030, found that while the County benefits from strong community engagement and a foundation of awareness, significant barriers remain — including stigma, gaps in resources, and uneven levels of understanding that hinder effective prevention and recovery efforts.

The Surgeon General has identified that both substance misuse and substance use disorders harm the health and well-being of individuals and communities, and that highly effective community-based prevention programs and policies exist and should be widely implemented. Measuring community knowledge is a critical first step in identifying where those programs are most needed.

About the Survey

The SUD Prevention Knowledge Scale, developed in partnership with the Addiction Policy Forum and the University of Delaware, is a validated tool designed to measure knowledge and attitudes about addiction. Key features of the survey include:

• Completely anonymous — no identifying information is collected, and all responses are confidential.

• Voluntary participation — respondents may stop at any time.

• Takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete, depending on answers.

• Measures knowledge of SUD risk factors and community attitudes toward addiction and recovery.

• Helps identify where addiction literacy and targeted interventions need to be implemented in our community.

Who Should Take This Survey?

SCOSAR encourages all Surry County residents, community leaders, business owners, faith community members, educators, healthcare providers, and justice system partners to participate. The more voices we hear, the better we can serve our community.

How to Participate

Complete the survey online at: https://form.jotform.com/Jamie_Edwards_edwardsj/sud-prevention-knowledge-scale