1 minute read
Good Work
Battalion takes on opioid crisis
In September 2018 a group of concerned professionals launched the Roanoke Valley Collective Response—a collaborative organization to address the opioid crisis in our community. RVCR’s mission is to “re-chart the course and consequences of substance use disorder.” Its goal is not just prevention, but making sure there are ample opportunities to healthy and sustainable living by those affected by addiction.
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RVCR includes members in law enforcement, medical services, healthcare, education, local and state government, the faith and business communities, and individuals. Roanoke’s Bradley Free Clinic is the “backbone” of the initiative, and the steering committee includes Kimberly Horn (Virginia Tech / Fralin Biomedical Research Institute); Janine Underwood (Bradley Free Clinic); Christine Baldwin (HOPE Initiative); Jimmy Chapman (Roanoke County Police); Lee Clark (Rescue Mission); Nancy Hans (Prevention Council); Cheri Hartman (Carilion Clinic); Robert Natt (Radford University); Amy Pierce; and Karen Pillis (Family Service).
“The magnitude of the opioid and addiction problem is unlike anything our community has experienced in recent history,” says Kimberly Horn, a scientist and professor and chair of RVCR. “Now with COVID-19, it requires a response unlike any we have ever tried. Until now, we did not have a clear unified plan to help us build the best possible prevention and recovery community, together. The Roanoke Valley Collective Response to the Opioid and Addiction Crisis (RVCR) now has nearly 300 stakeholders from all walks of life. Its first major goal was to develop a Blueprint to Action to map out evidence-based strategies for prevention, treatment, crisis response, recovery, and child and family support. The new Blueprint presents 22 evidence-based, community-driven recommendations addressing our addiction crisis. Released in September, the Blueprint represents a shared future and common vision, showing what is possible to achieve when we work together.”
RVCR’s blueprint, mission, goals, and additional information are available at rvcollectiveresponse.org.
gOOD WORk
Executive Summary:
Roanoke Valley Collective Response to the Opioid and Addiction Crisis has a blueprint to prevent abuse, treat, and respond.
