Leo Priddy

A Collaborative Effort to Abate Opioid Impact on Individual Communities
New River Valley Regional Commission

NADO CLG Capstone 2024

The opioid crisis has created serious challenges across rural America, and the New River Valley (NRV) is taking a proactive approach with the NRV Recovery Ecosystem. What makes this initiative stand out is its coordinated focus on prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction, all working together to drive meaningful, long-term changes in addressing addiction and improving wellness throughout the region.

Led by the NRV Regional Commission, with Montgomery County as the fiscal agent, the program is a collaborative effort involving Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski counties, as well as the City of Radford. The work is carried out by a diverse network of organizations and individuals, all committed to tackling the root causes of addiction and strengthening the overall well-being of the New River Valley.

Origins and Background

The opioid epidemic has disproportionately affected manual laborers in the NRV, including coal miners and farmworkers, who were aggressively targeted by pharmaceutical companies promoting opioids as pain relief. As of 2022, Virginia experienced 2,490 overdose deaths, approximately 79% involving fentanyl​. The opioid-related death rate in Virginia stood at 24.5 per 100,000 residents, a significant rise over the past decade​.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 3 methods of unnatural death in Virginia (Photo: VDH)

In the NRV, the death rate from opioids was more than double the state average. In 2023, local leaders launched the NRV Recovery Ecosystem with $6 million in funding to tackle every aspect of substance use disorder, including prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and long-term recovery.

According to Kevin Byrd, Executive Director of the New River Valley Regional Commission, “This crisis isn’t something any one locality or organization can tackle alone. The strength of the NRV Recovery Ecosystem is our regional collaboration, where every partner brings something vital to the table.”

Key Programs and Initiatives

The NRV Recovery Ecosystem’s holistic approach includes programs in four core areas:

  • Prevention: Collaboration with schools, law enforcement, and healthcare providers to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Training sessions for law enforcement and medical providers help tackle stigmatized perspectives within these fields.
  • Treatment: Expanding treatment, including increasing capacity at New Life Recovery Center and support of families and outpatient access to care.
  • Recovery: Programs like Recovery Court and the Recovery Fitness Program provide ongoing support.
  • Harm Reduction: The Rise Above Harm Reduction program offers mobile outreach, Comprehensive Harm Reductions services, medical and behavioral testing and treatment referrals, as well as care management and underlying need assessments and connections. This program focuses on meeting people where they are and building trust through nonjudgmental care.

As of September 16, 2024, key achievements include providing over 1,285 on-demand rides for recovery services, training more than 183 individuals in mental health and trauma care, and distributing over 602 naloxone kits.

 

 

 

 

New River Valley Regional Commission. “Recovery Ecosystem Digest: September.” NRVRC OAA Monthly Updates, September 16, 2024.

These numbers continue to grow due to the phenomenal work taking place in the region, with partners consistently expanding outreach efforts, enhancing service delivery, and building greater community engagement. The momentum behind these initiatives is driving a sustained impact, so that our community receives the support and care it needs as the ecosystem evolves.

 

NRVRC Community Health Team supporting the NRV Recovery Ecosystem

The NRVRC supports the administrative, evaluation and reporting elements of the program along with training, education, communication and outreach strategies and performance measures. Technical teams and oversight are supported by a committed core team in collaboration with our service and governmental partners. Their collaboration strengthens every facet of prevention, recovery, and harm reduction in the NRV woven together to support a true ecosystem of recovery.

Economic Impacts and Workforce Rehabilitation

The opioid crisis is both a public health emergency and a critical economic issue for the NRV. Substance use disorders reduce workforce participation and productivity while increasing healthcare costs. The NRV Recovery Ecosystem seeks to rehabilitate the workforce by helping individuals overcome addiction and re-enter the labor market, which is critical for the region’s economic stability.

“Addiction doesn’t just impact individuals. It affects our entire region’s ability to grow and thrive economically,” explains Byrd. “By tackling this issue, we’re not only helping people recover but also making sure our region has a strong, healthy workforce.”

Relevance to the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
The NRV Recovery Ecosystem aligns closely with the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) by addressing critical issues that directly affect the region’s workforce, public health, and overall economic vitality. Substance use disorders, particularly the opioid crisis, have drastically reduced workforce participation and productivity, as noted in the CEDS goals of improving workforce development and supporting economic resilience.

The Recovery Ecosystem not only offers essential health interventions but also contributes to workforce rehabilitation, a key element in the NRV’s broader economic development plans. As highlighted in the CEDS, building a resilient workforce is vital for sustaining long-term economic growth. Specifically:

  • Goal 1: Build a Strong, Resilient Economy by Improving Workforce Development
    The Recovery Ecosystem helps individuals overcome addiction, contributing to workforce rehabilitation and addressing labor shortages.
  • Goal 3: Support Economic Resilience
    By mitigating the opioid crisis’s impact on workforce participation, the initiative bolsters long-term economic resilience.
  • Goal 4: Expand Healthcare and Address Health Disparities
    The Ecosystem improves access to addiction treatment and healthcare services, supporting healthier communities and a stronger workforce.

This initiative further supports CEDS priorities, such as fostering partnerships across sectors. As the NRV continues to develop a healthy, well-trained workforce, the Recovery Ecosystem’s contribution to both the social and economic fabric of the region is invaluable. It underscores the importance of regional collaboration in overcoming the challenges of the opioid crisis while fostering long-term economic stability.

Reflections on Progress: Achievements and Insights

Holly Lesko, Director of Community Health for the New River Valley Regional Commission, reflects on progress made throughout the year, sharing highlights and lessons learned from ongoing efforts to build the NRV Recovery Ecosystem.

Highlights from FY24

  • Anti-Stigma Campaign: Launched a multi-platform campaign to reduce stigma around substance use recovery. This included social media posts, blogs, website content, and mailers to engage the community. (Follow us @TogetherNRV)
  • Lunch and Learns: Held educational sessions across the region to promote the NRV Recovery Ecosystem, encouraging participation in technical teams and programming.
  • Partnership Agreements: Finalized Contracts, Memorandums of Agreements (MOAs), and aligned budgets with government and agency partners to solidify collaboration and funding streams.
  • Rise Above Program: Launched the Rise Above mobile harm reduction outreach initiative, operated by the New River Health District (NRHD), to provide critical support in the region.
  • Hiring and Staffing: Expanded capacity by hiring new staff and contract employees across partner organizations, ensuring there were enough hands on deck to meet the demands of the work.
  • Transportation Solutions: Purchased a handicapped-accessible van and implemented new dispatching software to improve coordination of on-demand ride services, operated by NRVCS, for individuals in recovery.
  • Advocacy for Recovery Court: Led testimony and advocacy efforts in Richmond, successfully promoting a name change from Drug Court to Recovery Court, marking a shift in focus towards long-term recovery.
  • Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) and ACEs Training: Promoted and delivered Trauma-Informed Care and Adverse Childhood Experiences Train the Trainer events to increase regional capacity in these essential recovery and prevention skills.

Lessons Learned from FY24

  • Contracts and MOAs take considerable time to develop and execute, highlighting the need for strong leadership and coordination.
  • A strong fiscal agent, like Montgomery County, is crucial for managing the complexities of a regional effort.
  • System change work often requires patience, as sometimes going slow allows for faster progress later on.
  • Involving more people and organizations can be beneficial, but having a structured process and meaningful work for all participants is key. When more are ready to join, ensure the space is made available.
  • Flexibility is essential in responding to varying levels of readiness across different fronts. Equity does not always mean equality in action.

Regional Collaboration and Funding

The NRV Recovery Ecosystem thrives on collaboration, involving five local governments and eleven regional agencies. The project has received $4.4 million from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority and over $1.5 million from local jurisdictions. This collaborative funding supports prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and stigma-reduction efforts across the region (Roanoke Times). Montgomery County acts as the fiscal agent, ensuring funds are distributed effectively.

To fund stigma reduction and all other facets of the initiative, the project has been allocated almost $6 million within the first two years of the regional project, which began in 2023. The Recovery Ecosystem has received approximately $4.4 million of this from the Opioid Abatement Authority. The local governments receive direct allocations from both the OAA and direct settlements. Between the five jurisdictions, they received over $3 million to spend on opioid abatement activities and committed almost $1.5 million to the regional project.

 

Future Goals and Vision

The NRV Recovery Ecosystem has set several long-term goals, including:

  • Expanding treatment capacity, such as increasing the number of beds at New Life from 10 to 17 (Roanoke Times).
  • Enhancing public education to reduce stigma around addiction.
  • Securing additional funding for sustainability beyond the current three-year funding window.
  • Addressing critical issues like transportation and housing for individuals in recovery.

Conclusion

As Holly Lesko emphasizes, “The work we are doing now is laying the foundation for a healthier, more resilient NRV in the years to come.” By linking services and guiding investment among governmental and agency partners, Lesko notes, “The NRV Recovery Ecosystem is built upon shared commitment and investment in the overall success of the work.”

However, sustainability remains a key challenge. Lesko highlights that “Sustainability is a double-edged sword for this innovative funding effort. It’s critical that work continues beyond OAA funding availability.” She stresses the importance of using current resources wisely: “It is also imperative that service agencies and governmental partners utilize these resources to try new and innovative approaches to address this insidious disease in individuals and communities.”

Lesko also emphasizes the power of bold action and collaboration: “This shared commitment to think and act boldly can build on economies of scale and programming where appropriate. It also builds impetus for shared investment in the long-term success and obligation to the needs of the communities served. We are in this together.”

In conclusion, the New River Valley Recovery Ecosystem is a testament to how regional collaboration can address complex public health crises like the opioid epidemic. Through its integrated approach to prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery, the initiative is making significant strides in saving lives and revitalizing the local economy. As other regions consider adopting similar models, the NRV Recovery Ecosystem stands as a powerful example of partnership, innovation, and resilience.

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Regional Development Researcher Andrew Coker joined the NADO team in March of 2023 after spending two and a half years as the Regional Economic Resiliency Coordinator at West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.

At NADO, Andrew conducts research on the newest economic and community development best practices from Economic Development Districts across the country. He helps produce easily digestible information on complex regional issues through case studies, tip sheets, and research reports. Andrew also hosts training and professional development opportunities including conference sessions and virtual webinars for member regional development organizations.

Andrew is one of our Missouri-based team members and enjoys reading and training for his next triathlon.

Jack Morgan came to the NADO team in 2022 after seven years with the National Association of Counties (NACo) as a Program and Senior Program Manager. Prior to NACo, Jack was a Policy Analyst for Friends of Southwest Virginia. Jack holds a bachelor’s in geography from Emory & Henry College and a master’s in geography from Appalachian State University.

As a NADO Senior Program Manager, Jack leads capacity-building and peer-learning work supporting energy communities in economic transition, regional resilience, and recreation economies. He also helps with the EDA-Austin training program Emerging Leaders.

Jack is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and is a member of the American Planning Association (APA) in the Regional & Intergovernmental Planning division. He also serves on the Emory & Henry College Alumni Board.

Taking road trips, reading non-fiction, and indulging in top-notch barbecue and coffee round out Jack’s days. He loves maps, mountains, and of course, all things sports.

Karron Grant joined the NADO team in 2023 as Administrative Specialist and is the first face (or voice) you’ll see or hear when reaching out to NADO. As Administrative Specialist, Karron manages our database and coordinates NADO event operations. He ensures members’ needs are met, contact information stays current, and NADO’s office is running efficiently.

Karron came to NADO after four years in the classroom teaching at The New Century School and Old Mill Middle North where he received the Patriot of the Year award. He attended Towson University and the University of Maryland Global Campus and holds a bachelor’s in international studies and humanities.

Visiting art galleries and museums, playing basketball and bowling, and taking in movies and music are some of Karron’s interests and hobbies.

Deputy Executive Director Laurie Thompson has been with NADO for 25 years. Laurie helps keep the NADO and NADO Research Foundation wheels turning through management of the daily operations of the Research Foundation, securing financial resources and overseeing grants management, and helping execute NADO’s Annual Training Conference each year.

Laurie holds a bachelor’s in public affairs and government from Mount Vernon College and a master’s in health services administration from The George Washington University. Prior to NADO, Laurie spent time as a Field Specialist and an Eagle Staff Fund Director at First Nations Development Institute.

When she’s taking a rare reprieve from her NADO work, Laurie enjoys traveling domestically and internationally to visit friends and family.

Jamie McCormick joined the NADO team as a Policy Fellow first in 2019, then moved into her current role as Legislative Associate in 2021. As Legislative Associate, Jamie keeps NADO members apprised of any policy and regulatory issues and communicates NADO’s policy priorities to federal stakeholders and partner organizations. She is also the first stop for members with inquiries on policy issues. The planning and execution of NADO & DDAA’s annual Washington Conference is also managed by Jamie.

Jamie holds a dual bachelor’s in political science and international relations from The State University of New York College at Geneseo and a master’s in international development studies from The George Washington University. In addition to her roles at NADO, Jamie also worked as a Legislative Assistant for the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association.

Outside of her NADO work, Jamie is an active volunteer with the VOLO Kids Foundation and a fundraiser for YMCA youth programs. She is also NADO’s resident baker regularly providing treats for those in NADO’s D.C. office. Traveling, taking her pup on walks, and hiking in the northeast keep Jamie busy. 

Brett Schwartz began at NADO in 2012 as a Research Fellow after earning his J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law. The following year, he was promoted to Program Manager and has now been leading as an Associate Director since 2018. Brett is responsible for managing NADO’s Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), as well as researching and monitoring the latest trends in regional economic development and resilience, including best practices for the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). With more than a decade of experience on the NADO team, Brett is a dynamic relationship builder helping connect and build capacity among the national network of regional development organizations.

Brett also holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a master’s from Trinity College Dublin, as well as a certificate in mediation training. He’s a member of Catalyst Grantmakers of San Diego and Imperial Counties and was a participant in the 2021-22 Field Trips to the Future Cohort.

Brett is one of NADO’s West Coast team members residing in San Diego, CA where he enjoys spending time outdoors, attending concerts and festivals, and soaking up life as a parent of two young children.  

Communications Manager Katie Allison joined the team in 2023 to lead the strategic communication efforts of NADO. Katie creates and develops print and online materials, communicates NADO’s updates to members via weekly emails, and maintains content for nado.org and NADO’s social media channels. She also works with different departments to generate new ideas and strategies to effectively describe and promote the important work NADO is doing for EDDs and RDOs across the country.

An experienced nonprofit communications professional, Katie has worked for organizations in western North Carolina for nearly a decade. She holds a bachelor’s in communications from Wingate University where she was a four-year student athlete. Katie has also completed Vision Henderson County, a comprehensive leadership development program that promotes informed and committed civic volunteerism.

Katie stays busy trying to keep up with her two young sons whom she enjoys exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains with. Traveling to new and favorite places and cheering on the Atlanta Braves are some of her family’s favorite pastimes.

Senior Program Manager Ciara Ristig has been a member of the NADO team since 2021, and helps with NADO’s EDD Community of Practice, EDD staff capacity building and other grants on a range of subjects, including equity and solar energy. Before NADO, Ciara worked as a Planner for the County of Santa Barbara and an Assistant Project Manager for REM Consult. Ciara holds a bachelor’s in urban studies and French from Bryn Mawr and a master’s in urban studies from Ecole d’Urbanisme de Paris.

When she’s not traveling, you can find her outrigger paddling and serving on the board of the Blue Sky Center in New Cuyama, CA, near her home base of Santa Barbara.

Carrie Kissel has been a member of the NADO team since 2005 when she began as a Research Fellow. She later moved into the roles of Program Manager in 2006, and then Associate Director in 2011. Carrie holds a bachelor’s in anthropology from Ball State University and a master’s in public anthropology from American University. As Associate Director, Carrie oversees NADO’s work in rural transportation and rural wealth creation. She provides technical assistance and support to rural regions on transportation and economic development issues and develops training and peer exchange events on transportation issues and rural wealth creation as an economic development strategy.

Carrie is a member of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and secretary of TRB’s Rural Transportation Issues Coordinating Council. She is also a member of the American Anthropological Association and the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology.

Reading, gardening, hiking, and kayaking are a few of Carrie’s hobbies, and she organizes and facilitates a DEI/social justice-focused book club in her community.

Melissa Levy has worked at NADO as a Regional Development Researcher since February 2023 and is the Principal Consultant at her own firm specializing in wealth-based economic development consulting. With a career spanning nearly 30 years, Melissa brings a breadth of knowledge to her role as a Regional Development Researcher. Melissa provides in-depth research, coaching, and training on regional economic resilience, rural wealth creation strategies, and economic development.

Melissa is a North American Food Systems Network trained AgriCluster Resilience and Expansion (ACRE) facilitator and a WealthWorks coach, facilitator, and trainer. In addition to her professional work, Melissa serves on the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Council, on the board of the Hinesburg Community Resource Center, and on the Hinesburg Economic Development Committee.

A true outdoorswoman, Melissa enjoys cross country and downhill skiing, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as yoga, and teaching Tai Chi.

Program Manager Krishna Kunapareddy began her role with NADO in February of 2023 after 14 years of service at Boonslick Regional Planning Commission in Missouri. Krishna manages NADO Research Foundation’s Planning and Environmental Linkages and Center for Environmental Excellence projects. In addition to researching and writing, Krishna also conducts virtual workshops on innovative tools and techniques related to transportation planning.

She holds an undergraduate degree from Andhra University and a master’s from JNT University in India, as well as a master’s in city and regional planning from the University of Texas at Arlington. Krishna is also a certified Smart Cities Academy Practitioner and holds the Location Advantage certificate from geographic information system software company ESRI.

In her spare time, Krishna volunteers with Mentors4College helping high schoolers better plan for their post-high school paths. She is also a dedicated advocate for documented H4 Dreamers.

Krystal DeLeon joined the NADO team in October of 2020 as Database & Grants Manger, but in January of 2022 transitioned to her current role as Operations Manager. Krystal keeps NADO running through behind the scenes work of invoicing, solving any database issues that may arise, producing membership reports, and much more. Her organizational skills and thorough knowledge help the NADO team operate more efficiently across all departments.

Prior to NADO, Krystal was the Conference Services Coordinator for State Services Organization. She is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), a licensed realtor, and holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Liberty University. When she’s not keeping NADO’s operations in order, Krystal enjoys running and rock climbing, and adventuring with her husband and son.

Senior Program Manager Bret Allphin joined NADO in April of 2022 bringing with him a wealth of knowledge after a 20-year career with Buckeye Hills Regional Council in Marietta, Ohio. In addition to his bachelor’s in political science and master’s in public affairs, Bret is licensed Geographical Information Systems Professional (GISP). He is NADO’s go-to team member for all things mapping while also supporting members with transportation and economic development technical assistance services.

An avid sports aficionado and former collegiate athlete, Bret enjoys cheering on his Cincinnati Reds, hitting the trails on his mountain bike, and improving his golf game whenever possible. Bret is an involved community member in Marietta dedicating much of his spare time to serving on local nonprofit boards.

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2023 Impact Awards

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Joe McKinney serves as Executive Director of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO). Headquartered in Washington DC, NADO provides advocacy, education, research, and training for the nation’s 500+ regional planning and development organizations.

Joe has thirty-one years of experience having served in city, county, regional, national association, and government management since 1991. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a candidate for a master’s degree in Public Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill.

McKinney has provided congressional testimony on numerous occasions regarding the importance of regional development organizations in helping shape the nation’s economic growth. He is nationally recognized for promoting innovative solutions in areas such as planning and economic development, workforce development, transportation and transit, and aging services.

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