It’s National Recovery month, and in this week’s episode, we’re talking with Mandy McCarthy about the role that vulnerability plays in healing, the world’s need for storytelling, and moving upstream in prevention and wellness work.

Mandy McCarthy is a Prevention and Wellness Specialist with Northwestern Community Services Board, who uses her story to help bring awareness to mental health challenges and substance use. She is the mother of an amazing 12-year-old boy, an active member of her community, and feels enthusiastic about being the change she wants to see in the world.

Triumph Over Trauma: Northern Shenandoah Valley Resiliency Initiative: https://www.triumphovertraumansv.com/

Kevin Hines: https://kevinhinesstory.com/

Topics discussed in this episode include suicide, substance use, domestic violence, and sexual assault. 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.

We’re kicking off Season 4, joined by Chief Wayne Sager! We’re discussing Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st, what it looks like to work collaboratively within our communities to create change, and how looking locally can help us live better for longer.

Born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, Chief Wayne Sager has served the Town of Strasburg for 18 years, six of which as their Chief of Police. A 2019 graduate of the FBI National Academy and, in 2017, from the Professional Executive Leadership School at the University of Richmond, he continues to stay current on ever -changing justice reform. Being a firm believer and advocate for community collaboration, Sager serves as the Chair of the Family Youth Initiative (FYI) for Shenandoah County, the Skyline Regional Criminal Justice Academy, and the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug & Gang Task Force. He is an executive committee member for the Community Resources for Education & Wellness (CREW), Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition, Strasburg Rotary, and is an active member of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP), serving as committee members for both the Valor Awards and Professional Executive Leadership School (PELS). Chief Sager is a husband, a father of three, an avid outdoorsman, and enjoys coaching his children's little league sports.

Winchester Virginia Overdose Awareness Day Event 2024: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-overdose-awareness-day-tickets-1000339521437?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

CREW: https://crewva.org/

Family Youth Initiative: https://www.shenandoahfyi.com/

Strasburg Virginia: https://www.strasburgva.com/

International Overdose Awareness Day: https://www.overdoseday.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 Dr. Adam Starks about breaking the cycle, reaching out to help others, the need for community, and the hope of at-promise youth.

Dr. Adam Starks is a motivational keynote speaker on a variety of child welfare-related topics, ranging from foster care, child mental health issues, and trauma informed care. As a product of the foster care system who broke the cycle, he empowers audiences to uplift at-promise youth by tapping into community resources to convert youth potential into positive outcomes. He serves on his local school board and as the President of the West Virginia CASA Association board. Dr. Starks is also a multi-genre author of several books.

Dr. Adam Starks’ Website: http://adamstarks.com/

Triumph Over Trauma Summit on May 15th, 2024: https://preventionandwellness.ticketleap.com/triumph-over-trauma-summit/

‘Broken Child Mended Man’ by Dr. Adam Starks: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Broken%20Child%20Mended%20Man/_/N-w;jsessionid=6D36DFDD583D90894C94AF6B83BAC8F9.prodny_store02-atgap05

‘Love’ by Leo F. Buscaglia: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/841125

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.