A Community Approach to Addiction for the Roanoke Valley Region.
Who We Are
The mission of the Roanoke Valley Collective Response to the Opioid and Addiction Crisis (RVCR) is deeply rooted in a spirit of unity and compassion. We aim to build, sustain, and nurture communities by actively responding to addiction challenges while promoting recovery and overall wellness. At RV Collective Response, we bring together the strengths and resources of the health sector, government bodies, and local communities in a collaborative effort to address addiction issues. Our approach is centered around fostering hope and innovation, encouraging collaboration, and diligently working to break down barriers that stand in the way of creating effective and meaningful solutions.
What We Do
The Roanoke Valley Collective Response (RVCR) is a leading initiative tackling the addiction crisis in the Roanoke Valley since 2018. Uniting sectors like law enforcement, healthcare, education, and local government, along with families affected by addiction, RVCR focuses on the root causes of addiction. Our approach combines evidence-based practices with local insights, creating region-specific solutions. Our strategies include prevention, advanced treatment programs, long-term recovery support, and resources for families impacted by addiction, ensuring a comprehensive response to this complex challenge.
Why It Matters
At Roanoke Valley Collective Response, our mission is to combat the opioid and addiction crisis with a collaborative, multi-sector strategy. We partner with law enforcement, healthcare, government, and community organizations to tackle addiction’s root causes. Our approach centers on evidence-based practices tailored for the Roanoke Valley. Key initiatives include community education, cross-sector collaboration, a Peer Recovery Network, and innovative recovery housing solutions. We’ve achieved milestones like a comprehensive blueprint plan and advocacy campaigns. Ultimately, our goal is to forge lasting recovery paths, providing long-term support and solutions to significantly reduce the opioid crisis’s impact in our community.
Impacts + Outcomes
Driving Change, Inspiring Recovery
Roanoke Valley Collective Response Receives $1.4 Million for Peer Recovery Network
The Roanoke Valley Collective Response has received a $1.4 million grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration to create a Peer Recovery Network. This initiative will fund the creation of three full-time positions, including a coordinator and two Certified Peer Recovery Specialists, who will work closely with emergency services during overdose reversal calls. The aim is to reduce repeat emergency calls and bridge communication gaps for a more sustainable recovery program. This substantial grant signifies an expansion in RV Collective Response’s efforts to combat addiction and foster recovery across the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany region.
Places of Recovery Campaign: Telling Our Stories
The recently launched Places of Recovery campaign by RV Collective Response is a transformative endeavor aimed at inspiring hope within our community. By sharing the authentic, peer-validated stories of individuals who have embraced treatment and are successfully navigating their recovery journey, the campaign humanizes the face of recovery. Our goal is to equip, inspire, and empower, fostering a relatable and empathetic narrative that resonates deeply with those affected by addiction.
Roanoke Valley Collective Response Receives Grant to Strengthen Regional Recovery Ecosystem
The Roanoke Valley Collective Response (RVCR) has received a $500,000 grant from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority to support its regional recovery ecosystem project. This funding represents the first year of a proposed five-year project aimed at addressing barriers to recovery such as housing, transportation, and stigma reduction. RVCR will also work on improving data sharing and reporting across sectors to enhance effectiveness. Additionally, RVCR provided technical assistance to the City of Roanoke, assisting in identifying and prioritizing individual project needs totaling $252,867, including training, specialized personnel, equipment, and resources for prevention and harm reduction efforts.
Resources & Support
RV Collective offers a database of essential resources and support for addiction and mental health, expert care, and a robust support network for effective recovery paths. Our user-friendly database covers a spectrum of services, from detox programs to recovery housing, all organized for simplicity and ease of use. We aim to swiftly match individuals with the specific support they require, providing accessible and compassionate assistance throughout their journey to recovery and sustained well-being.
REVIVE! Training
At Roanoke Valley Collective Response, our REVIVE! Training program is a pivotal component of our efforts to combat the opioid crisis. This free life-saving initiative is designed to educate individuals and communities about opioids, the risks of overdose, and the proper use of naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Our training sessions are led by experienced professionals and are tailored to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and respond to an overdose situation effectively. By increasing awareness and accessibility of naloxone, REVIVE! Training aims to reduce the number of fatalities and provide critical intervention tools to community members, first responders, and those directly affected by opioid use. This program reflects our commitment to address the crisis and equip the community with practical and immediate solutions to save lives.
Peer Recovery Network
Explore the Peer Recovery Network, a community uniting over 140 partners for mental health and addiction solutions. Offering mentorship, licensure guidance, and a vibrant community, it’s the perfect space for aspiring peer recovery specialists breaking new ground in the field of peer recovery.
