Virginia Tech study outlines community opioid response; Smyth supervisors adopt annual awareness day

Shannon Simpson, central region coordinator for the CO Project at Virginia Tech, presented the findings of a Tri-County community study (Smith, Halifax, Prince Edward counties) completed in 2025 and said the report reflected input from about 112 Smith County residents, including probation officers, jail staff, parents and people with lived experience.

"We started this study in 2023 and, and finished it in 2025," Simpson said, and summarized the community's priorities: sustained youth prevention and education, free community classes about addiction, formal and informal treatment and recovery options (including childcare onsite at larger treatment centers), policy shifts to broaden access to care, and transportation solutions to help residents reach recovery services.

Following the presentation the board considered a resolution read aloud by staff declaring support for an annual Opioid and Substance Abuse Awareness Day on September 21. The resolution text cited the county's interest in "raising public awareness and fostering education" and the board adopted it by unanimous voice vote.

Board members noted local recovery-court activity and existing county efforts. Simpson said the study team intends to distribute pamphlets and work with local groups to form action teams that can translate community recommendations into local programs and outreach.