Community Collaborations in the Recovery Ecosystem
Community partnerships play an important role in the Recovery Ecosystem’s work, and collaborations with Virginia Tech and other local school systems have created opportunities to bring fresh ideas and new energy to prevention, education, and recovery efforts across the New River Valley. Through several Integrated Learning Experience (ILE) projects, students had the chance to work on real community needs while gaining hands-on experience outside the classroom. These projects connected students with schools and community partners to create resources that can make a difference.
Trauma and Resiliency Basics
Dr. Aparna Shah,Virginia Tech students, and Cora Taylor from Radford University collaborated to update the Trauma Basics presentation. The goal was to tailor the presentation to high school-aged youth. The team created new modules, audio recordings, and handouts that community partners can now use in local high schools. They also shared the updated presentation with high school students in Blacksburg and Floyd County High Schools.
Peer to Peer Fentanyl Education
Students in Virginia Tech’s Neuroscience of Addiction course partnered with the Pharmacy Tech class at Pulaski County High School to update a fentanyl education presentation. Over several visits, college and high school students worked side by side with the goal of creating a presentation that students could deliver to their own peers. The finished product led to the Pulaski County students presenting to approximately 300 of their peers. The project also gave Pulaski County students the chance to visit Virginia Tech, tour the neuroscience department, and learn more about careers in STEM fields.
Fentanyl Awareness
One group of Virginia Tech Master of Public Health students focused on fentanyl awareness by reviewing existing materials, creating a needs assessment for the NRV, identifying gaps, and creating updated resources.
Storytelling to Reduce Stigma
Another project used storytelling to help address stigma around substance use and recovery. Dr. Sophie Wenzel and Virginia Tech Public Health students worked to share the experiences of 16 individuals and highlight how trauma, substance use, and recovery can shape a person’s journey over time. The stories were turned into materials designed for both community members and decision-makers with the hope of building understanding, reducing barriers, and strengthening support systems throughout the New River Valley.
Looking Ahead
These projects show how community partnerships, student involvement, and the youth voice can create meaningful work that reaches far beyond the classroom.
