Tag: mental-health

The impact of substance addiction on the New River Valley community

By Evvy Fite, health & wellness reporter.

Photo by Pixabay

Among the many difficulties faced by rural communities, one that often goes unnoticed and under-discussed is the prevalence of substance use and abuse. In many cases, the resources that could help are few or non-existent, and life’s circumstances leave people defeated and more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol.

Why it matters: 

  • According to the Rural Information Health Hub (RIHH), “substance use disorders can result in increased illegal activities as well as physical and social health consequences, such as poor academic performance, poorer health status, changes in brain structure, and increased risk of death from overdose and suicide.” 
  • These problems perpetuate existing difficulties within many rural communities, and in many cases people in these areas are held back from improving themselves and their lives because of them.
  • The vicious cycle of substance abuse and other compounding problems holds these communities back and makes them a place to get out of, rather than a home to be proud of.

The big picture: RIHH states that “factors contributing to substance use in rural America include:

  • Low educational attainment
  • Poverty
  • Unemployment
  • Lack of access to mental healthcare
  • Isolation and hopelessness
  • A greater sense of stigma”
Screenshot from Rural Information Health Hub website.

Alcohol and nicotine are the most notable offenders. 

  • According to the RIHH chart on Rural and Urban Substance Use Rates in youths age 12-20, youths in non-metro areas use and abuse alcohol at similar rates to youths in metro areas, but use cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and methamphetamine at significantly higher rates.

Zoom in: The New River Valley is very rural, with over 15% living below the poverty line and nearly 25% considered cost-burdened. 

Photo by cottonbro studio from Pexels
  • A 2021 New River Valley Community Health Assessment by Carilion Clinic on the overall health of the NRV community found that “rates of drug overdoses higher than the national and state average [were] present in the New River Valley—especially in Pulaski and Wythe County.” 
  • As may be expected, those two counties also have the highest percentages of their population living below the poverty line – 24% and 21% respectively as of 2021.

In addition to substance abuse problems, the New River Valley also sees a large portion of the population experiencing other health problems. 

  • Chronic disease rates are higher than the Virginia average, including chronic lower respiratory disease, coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. 
  • Carilion Clinic also reports that much of the population lives in food deserts, and that “23.8% of adults report no leisure time physical activity.”

These are the situations that lead people to use and abuse substances. 

  • An updated 2024 New River Valley Community Assessment by United Way of Southwest Virginia found that rates of death by drug overdose have been climbing since 2018, with an increase of 105% in the past five years.

What is being done: Various organizations in the New River Valley are working to provide the resources that are often lacking in rural communities. 

The existence of any resources is a major step forward. 

Yes, but: Despite the efforts of these organizations, rates of addiction and health issues in the New River Valley remain high.

  • Even though resources are present, greater effort will be needed to connect people with those resources and decrease the stigma of asking for help. 
  • Time and the next NRV Community Assessment will tell how effective these resources truly are and what more is needed to free the New River Valley community from the shackles of substance addiction.

Montgomery County Schools Introduces Nonstop Student Counseling 

By: Elizabeth Ann Miller, health and wellness student reporter 

Montgomery County Public Schools is offering students free access to 24/7 mental health counseling through a new pilot program called Reach Out by Gaggle, providing around-the-clock support via call or text.

Reach Out by Gaggle in use. Photo by Gaggle.

 Why it matters: Reach Out by Gaggle reduces mental health barriers for students, aiming to improve holistic wellbeing.  

  • By ensuring support is available beyond school hours, the program addresses crises in real time, catering to the urgency of mental health concerns.  
  • When a serious issue arises, professionals can quickly intervene and notify school staff or law enforcement, offering a level of immediate support that was previously unavailable to students. 
  • This initiative removes physical and logistical obstacles to care, ensuring students can seek help anytime, anywhere. As mental health challenges continue to rise among young people, school officials hope the program will provide critical, life-changing support and set a new standard for student well-being. 

The big picture: Students need strong mental health support not only to thrive but to learn and perform at their best, both in and out of the classroom. 

  • Identifying and addressing mental health concerns early can prevent crises. With immediate access to professional support, students can receive real-time guidance and coping strategies to manage challenges before they escalate. 
  • This proactive approach enhances student safety while fostering a culture of mental health awareness and prevention across Montgomery County Schools. 
  • “MCPS supports the whole person and recognizes that mental health impacts learning.  We desire that students have the resources they need during school hours with school counselors, and outside of school hours with Gaggle Reach Out,” said Jane Greenough, Montgomery County Public Schools Supervisor of School Counseling. 

Zoom in: Students spend much of their time in school, making access to mental health support critical to their overall well-being and success. 

  • Parents and educators see the initiative as a vital step in addressing student mental health concerns, ensuring help is available when and where it’s needed. 
  • “I think this program will provide a proactive approach to students mental health and is a great step towards fostering a supportive environment for our children’s growth and success,” said Lindsey Hamden, former school counselor and Montgomery County Schools parent. 
Lindsey Hamden and children. Photo by Elizabeth Ann Miller.

What we’re watching: Montgomery County Public Schools will evaluate the program’s effectiveness at the end of the academic year, analyzing student usage, counselor response times, and overall impact. 

  • If successful, officials may extend the service to middle school students, recognizing the increasing need for early mental health intervention. 
  • Feedback from students, parents, and educators will shape future improvements, refining the program to better serve Montgomery County’s youth. 
  • “We hope to see our students flourish and grow in confidence with the resource provided by Gaggle Reach Out.  It is our desire that students who are in need will be identified and connected to additional resources so that they can gain resilience.  We want them to know that someone is always available to talk with them and they do not have to struggle alone,” Jane Greenough said. 

Prioritizing Violence Prevention: Community Builders

by Bianca Campoverde, crime, safety, and justice reporter

James Madison Middle School’s Community Builders program prioritizes violence prevention by creating comfortable, supportive environments that help students build a foundation for a bright future.

Gun violence is not just an isolated problem but a public health crisis that affects communities nationwide. In the United States, it remains a pressing concern, particularly among young people. The impact of gun violence on communities, schools, and families is devastating. However, efforts are underway to prevent it. One initiative is the James Madison Middle School Community Builders program in Roanoke, Virginia.

The program incorporates strategies to de-escalate conflict without resorting to violence by teaching students to recognize the signs and respond appropriately. This approach creates a generation of young people who are more informed, responsible, and proactive in preventing violence.

Students are also involved in community outreach and awareness campaigns, giving them a sense of responsibility to create safer environments for themselves and others. This engagement has a ripple effect throughout the community, as students who are educated in community safety advocate for change in their families, neighborhoods, and beyond.

Early intervention for middle school students is crucial, as this period serves as a pivotal turning point in their development. During this time, students develop the skills to navigate real-world challenges, avoid harmful behaviors, and build habits that will guide them toward success in high school and beyond. The program aims to curb violence and build a reliable foundation for students through early intervention and comprehensive support systems.

In speaking with various high school students, Joshua Johnson, youth development intervention coordinator for Roanoke City Public Schools, noted, “Many of them felt like they were becoming detached from school and less motivated around middle school. This is why we wanted to target them during this transition period, looking at some positive experiences that combat some of the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) they’ve had.”

This detachment can be linked to a range of factors, including personal struggles, family challenges, and exposure to ACEs. These factors not only impact academic success but can also increase the likelihood of involvement in violence.

Regarding logistics, the program tracks participating students’ data to identify areas of challenge where resources and support can be provided to alleviate external factors outside of the school environment. The program offers support through conflict resolution, healthy coping strategies, and other resources.  In an effort to reach as many students as possible, those outside of the program who display academic struggles are contacted and directed toward it.

“I affectionately call them our temperature changers. They’re a small group, but depending on where they come in that day-good or bad-they can really change the temperature of a room. Those are the kids we really want to pour a lot of attention into, making sure they don’t slip through the cracks, ensuring they are seen, heard, and feel like they belong,” Johnson said.

In addition to educational resources, the program creates a stable and comfortable environment where students experience inclusivity, strong ties to their school and peers, healthy relationships, and an overall atmosphere that encourages their self-esteem and nurtures their self-worth. These elements are essential for building resilience in the face of external challenges.

Corey Allder, director of Community Engagement for Roanoke City Public Schools, said, “If students are engaged and have a sense of belonging, they are less likely to be a part of a violent group or community violence.”

The goal of the program is to provide students with real-world experiences and career opportunities to combat community and domestic violence, while also raising awareness about gun violence prevention. Allder and Johnson were tasked with developing a program to help students set and work toward personal goals.

From visiting colleges, businesses, and government agencies to organizing events at their school, students in the program learn to cultivate their leadership skills. They demonstrate the program’s effectiveness through their academics and overall attitude toward their community. These opportunities help students understand their potential and the importance of goal setting. The exposure helps broaden their understanding, motivating them to pursue academic excellence and future career aspirations.  

“It could be a good opportunity to find ways to be more adult and find more ways to be better in life,” said Javon Kotz, an eighth grader at James Madison, when asked what about the program interested him.

Kotz hopes to attend Radford University in the future to pursue a degree in real estate.

“I feel like some people don’t want to sell a home; they just care about the money. I want people to know what they’re buying and not get ripped off. I want them to get a good deal, not just a house that’s terrible,” Kotz said.

By emphasizing these emotional and social aspects, the program is working to address the root causes of violence.  

The General Assembly’s decision to provide two years of funding for the pilot of the Community Builders program is an important first step. However, the program remains temporary, and long-term funding and community support are essential for its success to be sustained. The results from this initial phase will help shape future efforts to expand and refine the initiative. Ensuring that more students benefit from its resources and guidance.

Gun violence remains a significant challenge in many communities, but through early intervention and comprehensive support, programs like James Madison Middle School’s Community Builders are taking steps to prevent it before it begins. With continued support, the program will play an important role in shaping a safer, more positive future for students, families, and communities.