By Mike Wade | NRVCS Statewide data from 2017 indicates that nearly 68,000 grandparents in Virginia are currently serving as the primary caregiver for their grandchildren. A significant number of these family situations have developed in the wake of the opioid crisis, as scores of parents with addiction have either overdosed or been incarcerated for …
Residents of the New River Valley will join others around the world on Saturday, August 31 to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose. Observed every year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that …
NRVCS will host “Summer Youth Fest” on Friday, July 19 at Bisset Park in Radford. This free event is open to teens from throughout the New River Valley between the ages of 13 – 18 and will be conducted from 12 noon – 6 p.m. (rain or shine). The festival will include a lineup of …
Dr. Victor DeNoble, who is best known as the first whistle-blower to testify before Congress about his research conducted by the tobacco industry, will visit the New River Valley April 10 – 12. As part of his visit, Dr. DeNoble will speak at student assemblies in Giles and Pulaski County Public Schools, as well as …
The story below was recently submitted by a life-long resident of the New River Valley, who wishes to remain anonymous. “Amelia” says she was compelled to come forward with her story because she thought it might help others who are secretly battling similar issues. She also wanted to do her part to help end the …
NRVCS Prevention will be hosting a series of upcoming community dialogues about substance misuse and addiction. According to the agency’s Communications & Outreach Coordinator, Mike Wade, “Addiction: A Community Conversation,” will be offered in all five jurisdictions served by NRVCS. Wade explains that each event will feature presentations on the science of addiction and available …
By Mike Wade Communications & Outreach Coordinator The holidays should be a bit brighter for dozens of local children and teens this Christmas, thanks to the generosity of staff at NRVCS. Team members at the behavioral health agency just completed their annual “Help for the Holidays” drive, an effort focused on children served through NRVCS’ …
“My name is Kim Curtis and I am a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder. I grew up with an alcoholic father and codependent mother. I witnessed a lot of domestic violence, endured both physical and mental abuse, followed by a sexual assault – and this all occurred by age 6. From an …
“My name is Tali Perron, I am 34 years old and I have two children and this is my story. I come from a family of people who struggle with addiction, whether it be drugs, alcohol or food, every member of my family struggles with something. Mental illness is also very prevalent in my family. …
For more than 20 years, the Giles Youth-Adult Partnership (GYAP) has undertaken countless projects and programs to help prevent or reduce substance use among the county’s young people. Those efforts have ranged from hosting speaking engagements by sitting governors to helping launch after-prom parties to conducting talent competitions for local students. As with any organization, …