Warren County Youth Center Receives Key Funding in Fight Against Opioid Crisis

The Raymond E. Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center in Warren County is set to play a vital role in the community’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis. On December 6, 2024, the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA) announced a $72,850 grant to expand substance use prevention programs for local youth aged 13 to 18.

The funding will enable the Student Union and Activity Center to broaden its reach to all teenagers in the county, providing a safe and engaging environment for education and activities focused on substance abuse prevention. The initiative targets youth in grades 8 through 12, a critical age group for early intervention.

Joe and Samantha Barber of Reaching Out Now Inc. shared their enthusiasm for the grant: “Reaching Out Now Inc. and the Raymond E. Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center are excited to announce that we have been granted funding to provide education and raise awareness about the drug and opioid crisis. The opioid crisis has impacted our nation and right here at home in our community. It is crucial that we reach our youth.”

“We look forward to collaborating with the county, schools, and healthcare professionals,” the Barbers added.

The Raymond E. Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center serves as a hub for youth engagement. By adding new resources and expanding prevention programs, the center will address the growing opioid crisis in a proactive and impactful way.

The grant is part of a broader initiative by the OAA, which oversees the distribution of funds from Virginia’s opioid settlements. The state expects to receive $1 billion from lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies and distributors linked to the opioid epidemic. Since 2023, the OAA has distributed $47.2 million to localities for opioid abatement efforts, with additional funding going to state agencies.

“We continue to see tremendous efforts by local governments to tackle the opioid and substance use crisis impacting communities,” said Senator Todd Pillion, Chair of the OAA Board of Directors. “The programs in this latest round of awards are great examples of how opioid settlement funds are being used to save lives.”

The Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center’s expanded programs represent a community-centered approach to addressing the opioid crisis, focusing on prevention before addiction can take hold.

Grant applications remain open until April 1, 2025, ensuring that more communities can access resources to fight opioid addiction and support affected families.

For more information, visit the OAA’s website or contact info@voaa.us.