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In this episode, we’re talking with Dr. Alaina Holt and Dr. Michelle Peace from the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research about the importance of relationships within research, what they are seeing in the e-cigarette and cannabis product markets right now, the importance of sharing their findings with the community, and the role we all have to play in keeping our communities safe, healthy, and informed.    Referenced Resources: VCU Department of Forensic Science: https://forensicscience.vcu.edu/ VCU Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research: https://blogs.vcu.edu/mrpeace/ LFTR Research Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rndBDBH8N5Ie18HM0JqT_wJ4NhKNdaR7?usp=sharing Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth: https://vfhy.org/   Dr. Peace is a forensic toxicologist and a Full Professor in the Department of Forensic Science at VCU. She is one of the founding faculty for the Department and served as Associate Chair and Chair for nearly a decade. Dr. Peace has also served as a manager in a private forensic drug testing laboratory and has worked as a scientist for Procter & Gamble, where she holds 3 patents. Dr. Peace has been funded by the National Institute of Justice to study the efficacy of electronic cigarettes, particularly as they pertain to substance use and abuse. Dr. Peace serves on the Board for Virginia’s Cannabis Control Authority, is a Past President of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists, is a member of The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. She is a member of the National Safety Council’s Alcohol, Drugs, and Impairment Division.  Dr. Holt is a forensic toxicologist and an Associate Research Faculty member in the Department of Forensic Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. She works within the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology research where she assists students, maintains instrumentation, and completes casework. Her current research includes characterizing vaping products confiscated from Virginia school students; characterizing cannabis and cannabinoid-products for quality and labeling accuracy; assessing impacts of vaping on alcohol impairment evaluations; and evaluating novel treatments for opioid overdoses. Dr. Holt is an active member of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists, The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the International Association of Chemical Testing, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Dr. Holt is also a member of the National Safety Council’s Alcohol, Drugs, and Impairment Division.   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

In this episode, we’re talking with Mathew Snyder about RemedyGuard, the difference between availability and accessibility, and what it looks like to build trust within communities.   Mathew Snyder knows firsthand how unaddressed trauma can ripple through generations. Over the course of his life- through adverse childhood experiences, his military service and education- Mathew never stopped thinking about prevention, and how to break cycles of trauma, addiction, and loss. In 2021, Mathew founded RemedyGuard to tackle these issues head-on. Medication lock boxes aren’t just a product to him, they’re a mission. He believes real change comes from activating parents, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to secure lethal means before tragedy strikes. Through coalition building, public health advocacy, and direct action, he works to turn awareness into lasting change.   Referenced Resources: RemedyGuard: https://remedyguard.com/ Operation Parent: https://www.operationparent.org/ Poison Control: https://www.poison.org/ Young People in Recovery: https://youngpeopleinrecovery.org/   Topics discussed in this episode include overdose loss, substance use, and suicidality. It may be difficult for some listeners. Help is always available- The suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by texting or calling 988.   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Liam Hudson about The Lean In Project, what it looks like to build capacity and partner effectively across a region, and the many ways in which we continue to do important work in challenging times.    Liam Hudson is a dedicated advocate for housing access, health equity, and LGBTQIA+ rights. As the Founder & CEO of the Lean In Project, Liam has led initiatives that uplift and empower LGBTQIA+ Virginians through advocacy, community engagement, and resource development. With a Master of Management in Health Policy and certification as a Trauma-Informed Care Trainer, Liam brings a deep understanding of the intersections between housing, health, and social justice. His career spans direct service, state-level housing administration, and program management, always centering equity and systemic change.   Referenced Resources: The Lean In Project website: https://www.leaninproject.org/ The Lean In Project social media: https://www.instagram.com/leaninprojectva/ We Stand Together Summit: https://www.leaninproject.org/we-stand-together-summit Equality Virginia: https://equalityvirginia.org/ Hampton Roads Life Center (Now LGBT Life Center): https://lgbtlifecenter.org/ The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Connie Harrington about the Murder-Suicide Loss Network, the power of community support when grieving and healing, and what it means to tell our own stories.   Connie Harrington is a content strategist, mom of two, and a survivor of murder-suicide loss. She is on the leadership team of Triumph over Trauma: Northern Shenandoah Valley Resilience Initiative and on the board of the Murder-Suicide Loss Network.   Referenced Resources: Murder-Suicide Loss Network: https://www.mslnetwork.org/ My Grief Connection: https://www.mygriefconnection.org/ David Kessler’s Work: https://grief.com/ Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s Work: https://www.centerforloss.com/ TAPS: https://www.taps.org/ The Perversion of Virtue by Thomas Joiner (book)   Topics discussed in this episode include suicide and homicide. It may be difficult for some listeners. Help is always available- The suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by texting or calling 988.   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Sam DeMello about his app, Evive, the ways it personalizes care and generates connection for individuals redefining their relationship to gambling, and how his team is using technology to create a healthier future    Drawing from his personal recovery journey from gambling addiction and with 15+ years in strategic leadership, Sam founded Evive to revolutionize gambling support. His vision combines authenticity and innovation to deliver stigma-free, accessible help when people need it most.   Evive is transforming how individuals and communities address problem gambling by blending advanced technology with proven, evidence-based methods. Evive’s mission is to make healthier gambling accessible to everyone.   Referenced Resources: Evive: www.getevive.com Evive in the iOS App Store Evive in the Android App Store Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health: https://rehab.chp.vcu.edu/about-us/research/vpgh/ ALL IN Podcast: https://endgamblingharm.com/all-in/   Topics discussed in this episode include problem gambling, suicide, and substance use. It may be difficult for some listeners. Help is always available- The suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by texting or calling 988.   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

S4 E5: Superintendent Clay Corbin on the Evolution of Innovative Programming    On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Superintendent Clay Corbin about developing programming that supports education, empowerment, and healing. We dive into the “space and grace” required for creating something new, and the challenges and positives of leading innovation.    Clay Corbin is Superintendent of the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center, where he has served in multiple roles over the past twenty three years. Superintendent Corbin is passionate about creating programming that benefits the people he serves, and committed to doing so in a collaborative, community-focused way.    The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

S4 E4: Hamilton Glass on Mending Walls and Collaborative Change   On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Hamilton Glass about Mending Walls RVA, the concept of project vs. process, and the many ways that creativity, connection, and collaboration can lead to change.   Hamilton Glass’s career as an artist stems from his architecture and design background. Despite working in the architecture field for 7 years, his passion for public art pushed him to start a career as an artist. Public art has always been a big influence and inspiration to Hamilton, because of its power to influence and inspire the surrounding community. With every opportunity Hamilton is given to create, he tries to convey a message that connects his art to the community. Using his background in architecture, he creates images that reference architectural drafting practices, which are represented in the sharp lines, scale, and balance of the piece. The bright colors and unpredictable lines and shapes are used to convey energy and movement in each piece.    Hamilton's work isn’t just a singular canvas, print, or mural. One of the things he enjoys most is creating multi-layered projects that amplify his community's voices. In 2020, Hamilton founded the Mending Walls RVA which was created to address the civil unrest and pandemic raging in our country. This was a way for Hamilton to process current events and create a platform that inspired empathy and connection through collaborative public art work. Hamilton's goal is to use his art as a healing tool to uplift and inspire his community.   Referenced Resources: Mending Walls RVA: https://www.mendingwallsrva.com/ Mending Walls Documentary: https://www.vpm.org/mending-walls Mending Walls Podcast: https://mendingwallspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Rick Griffin about the ways that understanding neuroscience can transform ourselves and our relationships, the impact of community-based education, and the power of staying curious in every interaction. Rick is the Founder and CEO of the Neuro Leadership Academy, a new enterprise committed to using neuroscience to facilitate personal and professional development. Rick holds a master’s degree in education and uses his education to develop innovative content and to deliver engaging presentations. He speaks to thousands of groups from all over the country and is widely recognized for his work with trauma- informed and resilience-based practices. As the former Executive Director of a trauma-informed therapeutic residential program for struggling teens, Rick has first-hand experience with developing and implementing strategies and structures that foster resilience. His experience allows him to consult seamlessly with schools, businesses, and community organizations. Mr. Griffin continues to be on the leading edge of training design. As a Master Trainer for Community Resilience Initiative, he has developed several outstanding trauma and resilience focused programs and practices including the Certified Trauma-Informed Specialist (CTIS), a micro-credential for Occupational Therapist and other school-based mental health professionals. He has also authored several engaging eBooks, including his latest eBook, Keeping PACE With the Brain, an insightful eBook that delves into how social domains stimulate brain responses and guide our actions, emotions, and motivations.  Referenced Resources: Community Resilience Initiative: https://criresilient.org/ Neuro Leadership Academy: https://neuro-la.com/about-us/ How Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/books/how-emotions-are-made/ The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk : https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score Dr. Nadine Burke Harris Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime?subtitle=en The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

It’s National Recovery month, and in this week’s episode, we’re talking with Mandy McCarthy about the role that vulnerability plays in healing, the world’s need for storytelling, and moving upstream in prevention and wellness work.   Mandy McCarthy is a Prevention and Wellness Specialist with Northwestern Community Services Board, who uses her story to help bring awareness to mental health challenges and substance use. She is the mother of an amazing 12-year-old boy, an active member of her community, and feels enthusiastic about being the change she wants to see in the world.    Triumph Over Trauma: Northern Shenandoah Valley Resiliency Initiative: https://www.triumphovertraumansv.com/ Kevin Hines: https://kevinhinesstory.com/   Topics discussed in this episode include suicide, substance use, domestic violence, and sexual assault. It may be difficult for some listeners. Help is always available- The suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by texting or calling 988.   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

We’re kicking off Season 4, joined by Chief Wayne Sager! We’re discussing Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st, what it looks like to work collaboratively within our communities to create change, and how looking locally can help us live better for longer.    Born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, Chief Wayne Sager has served the Town of Strasburg for 18 years, six of which as their Chief of Police. A 2019 graduate of the FBI National Academy and, in 2017, from the Professional Executive Leadership School at the University of Richmond, he continues to stay current on ever -changing justice reform. Being a firm believer and advocate for community collaboration, Sager serves as the Chair of the Family Youth Initiative (FYI) for Shenandoah County, the Skyline Regional Criminal Justice Academy, and the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug & Gang Task Force. He is an executive committee member for the Community Resources for Education & Wellness (CREW), Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition, Strasburg Rotary, and is an active member of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP), serving as committee members for both the Valor Awards and Professional Executive Leadership School (PELS). Chief Sager is a husband, a father of three, an avid outdoorsman, and enjoys coaching his children's little league sports.   Winchester Virginia Overdose Awareness Day Event 2024: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-overdose-awareness-day-tickets-1000339521437?aff=ebdssbdestsearch CREW: https://crewva.org/ Family Youth Initiative: https://www.shenandoahfyi.com/ Strasburg Virginia: https://www.strasburgva.com/ International Overdose Awareness Day: https://www.overdoseday.com/   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Dr. Adam Starks about breaking the cycle, reaching out to help others, the need for community, and the hope of at-promise youth.    Dr. Adam Starks is a motivational keynote speaker on a variety of child welfare-related topics, ranging from foster care, child mental health issues, and trauma informed care. As a product of the foster care system who broke the cycle, he empowers audiences to uplift at-promise youth by tapping into community resources to convert youth potential into positive outcomes. He serves on his local school board and as the President of the West Virginia CASA Association board. Dr. Starks is also a multi-genre author of several books.    Dr. Adam Starks’ Website: http://adamstarks.com/ Triumph Over Trauma Summit on May 15th, 2024: https://preventionandwellness.ticketleap.com/triumph-over-trauma-summit/ ‘Broken Child Mended Man’ by Dr. Adam Starks: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Broken%20Child%20Mended%20Man/_/N-w;jsessionid=6D36DFDD583D90894C94AF6B83BAC8F9.prodny_store02-atgap05 ‘Love’ by Leo F. Buscaglia: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/841125   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Dr. Melissa Goldberg Mintz about healing, connection, and the journey of “traumatization to empowerment.”   Dr. Melissa Goldberg Mintz is a psychologist, author, and mother of two. Dr. Goldberg Mintz owns a small private practice, Secure Base Psychology and holds the title of Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine. She is also the author of Has Your Child Been Traumatized? How to Know and What to do to Promote Healing and Recovery.    Dr. Goldberg Mintz’s website: https://melissagoldbergmintz.com/ Has your Child Been Traumatized? Book: https://melissagoldbergmintz.com/books The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

We are ending the year with a revisit to our first episode of 2022 by reposting our sit down with Shanza Isom to discuss holistic well-being, mindfulness, and self-care. We think this conversation is the PERFECT way to start January, at a time when we’re all considering how we can better care for ourselves, and others, in the year ahead.    Shanza Isom is an assistant professor in the James Madison University department of social work, where she teaches undergraduate courses and directs field instruction. Shanza is also a facilitator and trainer, with expertise in areas of mindfulness and holistic well-being. Shanza trains and teaches educators, parents and those in helping professions in the incorporation of mindfulness in their personal and professional lives.   Shanza’s Contact Information: [email protected]  The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Jared Rowan about the tools and self-discovery found in therapy, yoga practice as a way of living, and the empowerment that can be experienced in both.  Jared is a Psychotherapist on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, working with individuals across the lifespan, providing one-on-one, family, and couple's therapy, for over 13+ years. Jared is also an E-RYT 500-hr Yoga Teacher (teaching for a decade) and a Katonah Yoga Teacher in training. He aims to teach yoga as an experience and a way of living life, connecting movement, philosophy, and personal insights. Jared believes in creating an embodied experience in our practice and life, which allows us to tune into our patterns, gather insight and provide tools and techniques to help us navigate life's circumstances.  Jared’s Websites: www.jaredrowan.com  www.omevolve.com Jared’s Podcast, Beyond the Mat: https://linktr.ee/beyondthematpod Books Mentioned:  Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele The Four Desires by Rod Stryker  Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes (source of the therapy metaphor mentioned by Casey)   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re flipping the script and talking with our host Casey Dwyer about the history and evolution of the Awareness 2 Action podcast, our hopes for its future, storytelling, the importance of developing community, and staying hopeful.    Along with the Northwestern Community Prevention and Wellness Services team, Casey co-developed and now hosts the Awareness 2 Action Podcast. Casey is a social worker located in Virginia, whose work is focused on substance use treatment and intervention, in addition to prevention and wellness. Casey is interviewed in this episode by Keith Cartwright, a Behavioral Health & Wellness Consultant for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services, and one of our favorite guests from Seasons 1 & 2!   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.