The Governor’s Institute started in 1986 as a task force headed by Dr. Michael Durfee that was convened to make recommendations about an organizational approach to getting the health care professions, particularly physicians, more involved in preventing, identifying and treating substance abuse. The Institute was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in 1990. The first Board of Directors was appointed by Governor James G. Martin and initial funding was provided through the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act.

Twenty years later, the Governor’s Institute remains an important partner and resource for the community and state by providing networking opportunities and other connections among research and educational programs, professional organizations, clinics and hospitals, treatment facilities, consumer groups and the substance abuse field. The Governor’s Institute primarily serves North Carolina, but will expand into neighboring states as funding allows.