Who we are

Engaging Halifax County is a dedicated community-academic action group committed to addressing the opioid crisis in Halifax 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 Halifax County

Community Awareness and Education:

• Establish a newspaper column and podcast dedicated to Substance and Opioid Misuse.
• Design and implement an opioid misuse awareness campaign specific to Halifax.
• Establish a Community Awareness/Overdose Awareness Day that would have community supported events, social media education and outreach, recovery stories, and opioid statistics to educate the public and reduce stigma.
• Host regular community discussions open to anyone to discuss the opioid and substance use issues in Halifax County and what services are available and/or needed.
• Have mandatory opioid and narcan training for students and teachers (including substitutes) in the schools starting in the 4th grade.
• Mandate real life education to youth about substance use rather than police providing prevention education.  Ex: Peers as motivational speakers.
• Educate lawmakers about the cost of alcohol and drug addiction making the comparison between jail/prison vs treatment and recovery to inform their decision making.

Establish formal and non-formal treatment and recovery services:

• Open an inpatient detox center. Support detox options and reduce stigma around going to detox.
• Engage faith-based organizations in Halifax to provide services and resources to address SUD/OUD and reduce stigma.

Policy changes:

• Justice involved individuals with substance use disorder should get community service instead of jail time.
• Jails need to provide services for people on the road to recovery or wanting to enter recovery.
• Create a safety net so that parents can seek treatment and recovery for SUD/OUD and not lose their children.
• Limit the amount of time that people can be on Medically Assisted Treatment.
• Make funding available for people who are seeking recovery.

Infrastructure:

• Develop transportation systems to take people to/from treatment.