Who we are

Engaging Smyth County is a dedicated community-academic action group committed to addressing the opioid crisis in Smyth County through awareness, support, and advocacy. We bring together local leaders, healthcare professionals, first responders, individuals in recovery, and concerned citizens to create meaningful change.

The strategies presented here were developed by diverse community members who are experts in opioid-related issues, either through lived experience or service. County residents, healthcare providers, service providers, and people with substance use disorder and their families, participated in a structured process led by a local community team to evaluate opioid misuse in the county and prioritize strategies to address it.

Our mission is to facilitate action on these and other initiatives that empower individuals, support families, and strengthen our community’s response to substance use disorder. By fostering collaboration and breaking down barriers to recovery, we strive to create a healthier, more resilient (Halifax, Prince Edward, Smyth) County.

Together, we believe that we can make a lasting impact in the fight against opioid addiction.

Priority Strategies Identified by Community Residents for Smyth County

Community Awareness and Education:

• Teach teens rather than kids the DARE program to provide more information and awareness at that age rather than younger.
• Teach free classes in the community on addiction for those who want to increase their understanding and awareness.

Make resources readily available in areas that frequented by teens that provides information about treatment and recovery services and how to access them.

Establish formal and non-formal treatment and recovery services:

• Start treatment and recovery programs for youths and families in the county

Policy changes:

• Create a policy of case management for everyone. Use innovative strategies to provide case management. (interns, hybrid contact, etc.)
• The County Administrators need to allow programs addressing SUD/OUD to come into the county. (other than Mt. Rogers).
• Change policies within the judicial and healthcare systems that limit immediate care to only those who “are going to harm themselves.”
• Reduce the court mandated punishment for those who are justice involved and truly need mental/recovery help rather than jail.

Infrastructure:

• Expand the existence and route frequency of public transportation to areas that are further away.
• Supply transportation for court ordered activities for people who do not have access to transportation.
• Have a childcare professional on site at the larger sites treatment and recovery facilities so that people can bring their children