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The Community Collaborative
Our Initiatives

LEARN ABOUT OUR INITIATIVES

Over the 15+ years of our coalition, we’ve experienced many changes in our structure. The constant is always community members coming together to respond to a need. Here are some of our current initiatives.

 

For specific questions, please reach out directly to the contact listed. If you need additional information or assistance, our administrative contacts are available at the bottom of the page to help.

Opioid Workgroup

The Collaborative has been actively working to address the opioid epidemic since local leaders hosted a town hall in 2017. The Opioid Workgroup is an inter-disciplinary group that meets monthly to focus on strategies related to Prevention, Harm Reduction, Treatment and Recovery. This group organizing trainings, workshops, and tables at community events.

Additionally, the harm reduction work grew into its own non-profit, Save 1 Life FXBG.

The group typically meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 3:30 PM (alternating in-person and virtual).

Contact
Sherry Norton-Williams
540-374-3337
snorton@rappahannockareacsb.org

Resources

  • Virginia’s efforts to address the opioid epidemic through Curb the Crisis.
    Visit website: curbthecrisis.com

  • Governor’s “It Only Takes One” campaign addressing fentanyl.
    Visit website: itonlytakesone.virginia.gov

Suicide Prevention Coalition

In response to local suicide deaths, this group formed a coalition in 2022 with technical assistance and support from the Veteran’s Administration. Our mission is to prevent suicide through education, resource sharing, reducing stigma, and fostering a supportive community where mental wellness is valued and accessible to all. We envision a future free from the tragedy of suicide, where everyone feels supported, educated, and valued.

There are three workgroups addressing the sub-populations of:

  • Youth/Young Adults

  • Veterans and First Responders

  • Older Adults

 

The full group meets the fourth Monday of the month at 1:00 PM on odd months. During even months, the workgroups meet.

Contacts
Michelle Wagaman
mwagaman@rappahannockareacsb.org

Allison Balmes-John
allison.balmes@vdh.virginia.gov

Resources

  • Suicide Prevention: A Virginia initiative, Lock and Talk, that our community is part of.
    Visit website: lockandtalk.org

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