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Smyth County names Sept. 21 as annual Opioid and Substance Abuse Awareness Day
Summary
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution designating Sept. 21 each year as Opioid and Substance Abuse Awareness Day after a Virginia Tech presentation on prevention strategies and a recommendation to increase local awareness and partnerships.
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Feb. 26 to adopt a resolution establishing Sept. 21 as the countys annual Opioid and Substance Abuse Awareness Day.
Virginia Tech Regional Coordinator Shannon Simpson presented the Board with recent findings on opioid and substance abuse prevention, saying local awareness days and partnerships with community organizations and schools have shown significant impact in connecting people to addiction resources and preventing further abuse. Assistant County Administrator for Development Clegg Williams read the resolution into the record and submitted it for the Boards consideration.
Chilhowie District Supervisor Mike Sturgill moved to adopt the resolution and Rye Valley District Supervisor Jason Parris seconded the motion. The motion carried with all seven supervisors voting aye: Charles Atkins, Michael Sturgill, Rick Billings, Courtney Widener, Jason Parris, Roscoe Call and Kristopher Ratliff.
The resolution states Smyth Countys commitment to promoting prevention, treatment, recovery and enforcement efforts and encourages residents, businesses and organizations to participate in awareness activities and educational programs. The Board also approved a related request to reserve Opioid Abatement Authority funds for a local legal-aid request (see separate action).
Next steps: the county will list Sept. 21 on its public-calendar materials and coordinate outreach with local partners to plan awareness activities for the inaugural observance.
