Policy Recommendations for Substance Use Disorder Recovery in Southwest Virginia

The Project

This project builds upon the 2019 and 2020 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Recovery Projects which examined potential challenges and opportunities for substance use disorder recovery in the New River Valley (NRV), Virginia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A focus is given to recovery centers because of our reviews of previous years research on substance use disorders. We found that the previous research illuminated holes in policy and resources surrounding recovery housing. This inspired us to submit a bill to the Virginia General Assembly in hopes of closing this gap. In addition, the location of Virginia Tech  in the New River Valley and the neighboring Roanoke Valley served as a motivator for our interest in recovery centers. These two regions have been hit hard by the Opioid epidemic and have become publicized as such. Media such as the book and television series, Dopesick, have highlighted the need for improved resources. Our research team features a variety of majors, however, the three main fields are population health sciences, Appalachian community studies, and sociology. 

Project Priorities:

• Increased funding for mental and behavioral health services
• Increased facilities for detoxing and recovery services
• Increased peer recovery specialists
  
• Pathways to treatment through law enforcement
• Reducing stigma, increasing harm reduction measures, and expansion of broadband internet access

Project Design:

• Review of the SUD Recovery Literature 
• Reviewed Legislation
• Advocacy Trainings 
• Field Observations 
• Key Informant Interviews