In this episode, we’re talking with Dr. Alaina Holt and Dr. Michelle Peace from the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research about the importance of relationships within research, what they are seeing in the e-cigarette and cannabis product markets right now, the importance of sharing their findings with the community, and the role we all have to play in keeping our communities safe, healthy, and informed.

Referenced Resources:

VCU Department of Forensic Science: https://forensicscience.vcu.edu/

VCU Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research: https://blogs.vcu.edu/mrpeace/

LFTR Research Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rndBDBH8N5Ie18HM0JqT_wJ4NhKNdaR7?usp=sharing

Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth: https://vfhy.org/

Dr. Peace is a forensic toxicologist and a Full Professor in the Department of Forensic Science at VCU. She is one of the founding faculty for the Department and served as Associate Chair and Chair for nearly a decade. Dr. Peace has also served as a manager in a private forensic drug testing laboratory and has worked as a scientist for Procter & Gamble, where she holds 3 patents. Dr. Peace has been funded by the National Institute of Justice to study the efficacy of electronic cigarettes, particularly as they pertain to substance use and abuse. Dr. Peace serves on the Board for Virginia’s Cannabis Control Authority, is a Past President of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists, is a member of The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. She is a member of the National Safety Council’s Alcohol, Drugs, and Impairment Division.

Dr. Holt is a forensic toxicologist and an Associate Research Faculty member in the Department of Forensic Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. She works within the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology research where she assists students, maintains instrumentation, and completes casework. Her current research includes characterizing vaping products confiscated from Virginia school students; characterizing cannabis and cannabinoid-products for quality and labeling accuracy; assessing impacts of vaping on alcohol impairment evaluations; and evaluating novel treatments for opioid overdoses. Dr. Holt is an active member of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists, The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the International Association of Chemical Testing, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Dr. Holt is also a member of the National Safety Council’s Alcohol, Drugs, and Impairment Division.

The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

In this episode, we’re talking with Mathew Snyder about RemedyGuard, the difference between availability and accessibility, and what it looks like to build trust within communities.

Mathew Snyder knows firsthand how unaddressed trauma can ripple through generations. Over the course of his life- through adverse childhood experiences, his military service and education- Mathew never stopped thinking about prevention, and how to break cycles of trauma, addiction, and loss. In 2021, Mathew founded RemedyGuard to tackle these issues head-on. Medication lock boxes aren’t just a product to him, they’re a mission. He believes real change comes from activating parents, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to secure lethal means before tragedy strikes. Through coalition building, public health advocacy, and direct action, he works to turn awareness into lasting change.

Referenced Resources:

RemedyGuard: https://remedyguard.com/

Operation Parent: https://www.operationparent.org/

Poison Control: https://www.poison.org/

Young People in Recovery: https://youngpeopleinrecovery.org/

Topics discussed in this episode include overdose loss, substance use, and suicidality. It may be difficult for some listeners. Help is always available- The suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by texting or calling 988.

The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Liam Hudson about The Lean In Project, what it looks like to build capacity and partner effectively across a region, and the many ways in which we continue to do important work in challenging times.

Liam Hudson is a dedicated advocate for housing access, health equity, and LGBTQIA+ rights. As the Founder & CEO of the Lean In Project, Liam has led initiatives that uplift and empower LGBTQIA+ Virginians through advocacy, community engagement, and resource development. With a Master of Management in Health Policy and certification as a Trauma-Informed Care Trainer, Liam brings a deep understanding of the intersections between housing, health, and social justice. His career spans direct service, state-level housing administration, and program management, always centering equity and systemic change.

Referenced Resources:

The Lean In Project website: https://www.leaninproject.org/

The Lean In Project social media: https://www.instagram.com/leaninprojectva/

We Stand Together Summit: https://www.leaninproject.org/we-stand-together-summit

Equality Virginia: https://equalityvirginia.org/

Hampton Roads Life Center (Now LGBT Life Center): https://lgbtlifecenter.org/

The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Connie Harrington about the Murder-Suicide Loss Network, the power of community support when grieving and healing, and what it means to tell our own stories.

Connie Harrington is a content strategist, mom of two, and a survivor of murder-suicide loss. She is on the leadership team of Triumph over Trauma: Northern Shenandoah Valley Resilience Initiative and on the board of the Murder-Suicide Loss Network.

Referenced Resources:

Murder-Suicide Loss Network: https://www.mslnetwork.org/

My Grief Connection: https://www.mygriefconnection.org/

David Kessler’s Work: https://grief.com/

Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s Work: https://www.centerforloss.com/

TAPS: https://www.taps.org/

The Perversion of Virtue by Thomas Joiner (book)

Topics discussed in this episode include suicide and homicide. It may be difficult for some listeners. Help is always available- The suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by texting or calling 988.

The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Sam DeMello about his app, Evive, the ways it personalizes care and generates connection for individuals redefining their relationship to gambling, and how his team is using technology to create a healthier future

Drawing from his personal recovery journey from gambling addiction and with 15+ years in strategic leadership, Sam founded Evive to revolutionize gambling support. His vision combines authenticity and innovation to deliver stigma-free, accessible help when people need it most.

Evive is transforming how individuals and communities address problem gambling by blending advanced technology with proven, evidence-based methods. Evive’s mission is to make healthier gambling accessible to everyone.

Referenced Resources:

Evive: www.getevive.com

Evive in the iOS App Store

Evive in the Android App Store

Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health: https://rehab.chp.vcu.edu/about-us/research/vpgh/

ALL IN Podcast: https://endgamblingharm.com/all-in/

Topics discussed in this episode include problem gambling, suicide, and substance use. It may be difficult for some listeners. Help is always available- The suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by texting or calling 988.

The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

S4 E5: Superintendent Clay Corbin on the Evolution of Innovative Programming

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Superintendent Clay Corbin about developing programming that supports education, empowerment, and healing. We dive into the “space and grace” required for creating something new, and the challenges and positives of leading innovation.

Clay Corbin is Superintendent of the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center, where he has served in multiple roles over the past twenty three years. Superintendent Corbin is passionate about creating programming that benefits the people he serves, and committed to doing so in a collaborative, community-focused way.

The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

S4 E4: Hamilton Glass on Mending Walls and Collaborative Change

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Hamilton Glass about Mending Walls RVA, the concept of project vs. process, and the many ways that creativity, connection, and collaboration can lead to change.

Hamilton Glass’s career as an artist stems from his architecture and design background. Despite working in the architecture field for 7 years, his passion for public art pushed him to start a career as an artist. Public art has always been a big influence and inspiration to Hamilton, because of its power to influence and inspire the surrounding community. With every opportunity Hamilton is given to create, he tries to convey a message that connects his art to the community. Using his background in architecture, he creates images that reference architectural drafting practices, which are represented in the sharp lines, scale, and balance of the piece. The bright colors and unpredictable lines and shapes are used to convey energy and movement in each piece.

Hamilton's work isn’t just a singular canvas, print, or mural. One of the things he enjoys most is creating multi-layered projects that amplify his community's voices. In 2020, Hamilton founded the Mending Walls RVA which was created to address the civil unrest and pandemic raging in our country. This was a way for Hamilton to process current events and create a platform that inspired empathy and connection through collaborative public art work. Hamilton's goal is to use his art as a healing tool to uplift and inspire his community.

Referenced Resources:

Mending Walls RVA: https://www.mendingwallsrva.com/

Mending Walls Documentary: https://www.vpm.org/mending-walls

Mending Walls Podcast: https://mendingwallspodcast.buzzsprout.com/

The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Rick Griffin about the ways that understanding neuroscience can transform ourselves and our relationships, the impact of community-based education, and the power of staying curious in every interaction.

Rick is the Founder and CEO of the Neuro Leadership Academy, a new enterprise committed to using neuroscience to facilitate personal and professional development. Rick holds a master’s degree in education and uses his education to develop innovative content and to deliver engaging presentations. He speaks to thousands of groups from all over the country and is widely recognized for his work with trauma- informed and resilience-based practices.

As the former Executive Director of a trauma-informed therapeutic residential program for struggling teens, Rick has first-hand experience with developing and implementing strategies and structures that foster resilience. His experience allows him to consult seamlessly with schools, businesses, and community organizations.

Mr. Griffin continues to be on the leading edge of training design. As a Master Trainer for Community Resilience Initiative, he has developed several outstanding trauma and resilience focused programs and practices including the Certified Trauma-Informed Specialist (CTIS), a micro-credential for Occupational Therapist and other school-based mental health professionals. He has also authored several engaging eBooks, including his latest eBook, Keeping PACE With the Brain, an insightful eBook that delves into how social domains stimulate brain responses and guide our actions, emotions, and motivations.

Referenced Resources:

Community Resilience Initiative: https://criresilient.org/

Neuro Leadership Academy: https://neuro-la.com/about-us/

How Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/books/how-emotions-are-made/

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk : https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime?subtitle=en

The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.