Program Coordinator: Mike Wade
Email: mwade@nrvcs.org
Phone: 540.961.8420

The NRVCS Community Wellness & Outreach (CWO) team is made up of creative and passionate professionals who are dedicated to supporting the health, safety, and well-being of residents throughout Virginia’s New River Valley. Primary areas of focus include:
– Prevention and reduction of underage substance use (alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and other drugs)
– Suicide prevention and mental health awareness
– Increased awareness of polysubstance use and prevention of overdose
– Problem gambling prevention

Our mission is to educate, inform, and inspire hope – partnering with stakeholders and community members from all walks of life – to reduce and eliminate the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues and other public health concerns. We achieve this work through providing a variety of educational programs, public speaking engagements, community events and gatherings, as well as coordination of the region’s five community prevention coalitions.

Understanding ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences): This class defines types of ACEs related to childhood trauma and the impact they can have on early brain development. This 1, 2, or 3 hour training (times vary and are optional) is not only for parents and caregivers of young children, but it is important for all community members to raise awareness and compassion for one another. Courses are scheduled monthly at local libraries or can be scheduled at your request for your group or organization. Contact Dee Frith at dfrith@nrvcs.org to learn more and schedule a training.

ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training): ASIST is an intensive, interactive workshop designed to train caregivers to provide suicide first aid. Participants learn how to recognize suicide risk, intervene to prevent immediate harm, and help individuals create a safety plan to stay safe. The training is skills-based and interactive, and participants do not need any formal background in mental health to attend. Contact Caroline Mullins at csmullins@nrvcs.org to learn more or schedule a training.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): Both Youth and Adult MHFA are in-depth, evidence-based trainings that teach how to recognize and respond to warning signs and symptoms in different stages of a mental health crisis. MHFA teaches the ALGEE acronym to apply the skills learned. Participants will walk away with a wealth of knowledge surrounding mental health and hold a certificate that lasts three years. Trainings are scheduled quarterly or can be scheduled at your request for your group or organization. Contact Caroline Mullins at csmullins@nrvcs.org to learn more or schedule a training.

safeTALK: safeTALK is a half-day (3-4 hour) training that teaches individuals to become “suicide-alert helpers” by recognizing signs of suicide and connecting those with thoughts of suicide to further help. The program uses the TALK steps—Tell, Ask, Listen, and KeepSafe—and is open to anyone aged 15 and older, regardless of prior experience. Contact Caroline Mullins at csmullins@nrvcs.org to learn more or schedule a training.

HOPE campaign: Created by NRVCS, the “HOPE” campaign encourages community members to take ownership of their individual wellness, and support the wellness of those around them – even at the community level. Click here to learn more.

#EndOverdoseNRV: NRVCS’ long-standing opioid awareness and overdose prevention campaign is designed to address stigma, foster empathy and understanding for those affected by a substance use disorder, and support efforts in the areas of harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Click here to learn more.

Lock & Talk: Lock & Talk is a suicide prevention initiative in the state of Virginia that strives to encourage community conversation around mental wellness and promote safe care of lethal means, including firearms and medications. Click here to learn more.

Synar/Counter Tools (Tobacco Retailer Merchant Education): The Synar Amendment was enacted to address the growing concern about youth tobacco use and the ease with which youth could purchase tobacco products through retail sources. The amendment requires states to enforce laws prohibiting the sale or distribution of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18 (now 21). This is to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors and prevent youth tobacco use. The Synar program, which is federally mandated, provides guidance and support to states in implementing these laws and conducting compliance checks. By ensuring that states meet the compliance requirements, the Synar program helps to reduce youth tobacco use and promote public health.

Counter Tools is the system Virginia utilizes to visit tobacco retailers.  While assessing the types of nicotine products sold in stores, this opportunity also allows CWO staff to provide educational resources for the 200 + retailers in the New River Valley.  This is a two-year campaign. Since implementing Counter Tools 10 years ago, CWO staff have formed mutually productive relationships with many of the local tobacco retailers. For more information about tobacco retailer education in the New River Valley, contact Rene’ Cox at rcox@nrvcs.org.

“Beyond the Bet”: Virginia’s problem gambling prevention campaign, “Beyond the Bet” is an initiative of the state’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). The campaign is intended for the general public, with a specific focus on young adults, aiming to raise awareness about the risks and realities of sports betting. As legalized sports betting grows and gambling becomes more commonplace in online environments, this initiative promotes thoughtful and informed decisions by highlighting protective factors and advocating for responsible gaming and gambling, steering clear of fear-based messaging and stigma. For additional problem gambling prevention resources, visit nrvcs.org/safebet.

Members of the NRVCS Community Wellness & Outreach team currently assist with coordination and facilitation of the five community prevention coalitions within the New River Valley region. These groups are open to any interested community stakeholder or resident who shares an interest in promoting/advancing health and wellness.

The New River Valley’s community prevention coalitions include:
– Floyd County Multi-Disciplinary Team
– Giles Youth-Adult Partnership
– Montgomery County Prevention Partners
– Pulaski Community Partners Coalition
– Radford Youth-Adult Partnership

To learn more about the community prevention coalition in your area, contact us at info@nrvcs.org.