carisa@nchrc.org
Carisa is a harm reductionist, outreach worker, phlebotomist, HIV counselor, rape crisis victim’s advocate, NC Certified Peer Support Specialist, & social justice activist. Her journey with NCHRC began as a volunteer in 2020 before becoming full-time in 2021. Carisa has lived experienced in homelessness, substance use disorder, and self-medicating, she is in recovery from chaotic drug use. She’s a lifelong resident of Robeson County. Carisa serves on the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program Consortium (RCORP) and as a recovery ambassador with Stop The Pain. She is justice-involved and currently studying Criminal Justice, her main priorities in life are to save lives, lessen harm, change the “tough love” mentality to a “love tougher” mentality, abolish the drug war, advocate for criminal justice reform, and to create inclusion, equality, equity, and protections where needed. Carisa also enjoys creating partnerships with other organizations and is available for harm reduction, overdose prevention, overdose reversals & rescue breathing training. She truly believes we are better together.