Participation Type
Roundtable
Session Title
The Growing Need for Collegiate Recovery Programs in Appalachia
Session Abstract or Summary
Today, the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) reports there are over 90 colleges and universities nationwide with established collegiate recovery programs. A cross reference of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) map of Appalachian counties with ARHE’s list of Collegiate Recovery Programs/Communities (CRPs/CRCs) shows there are seven universities/colleges located in Appalachia with established recovery programs.
According to a 2008 ARC commissioned study, there are disproportionately high rates of substance abuse and mental health disorders in Appalachia. The rate of prescription pain killer abuse in Appalachia is rising faster than the rest of the nation. Alcohol continues to be the most abused drug on college campuses, as well as in the nation and throughout Appalachia. Appalachia lags in college completion rates at 17.6% compared to the nation at 24.4% (ARC, 2008).
A nationwide site survey of 29 CRPs/CRCs (A. Laudet, et al., 2013) showed annual relapse rates ranging from 0 to 25%, and academic achievement (GPA and graduation) surpassing the host institution’s overall outcomes.
The lack of collegiate recovery programs located in Appalachia, coupled with high rates of substance abuse and lower college completion rates, show a growing need for more collegiate recovery programs in the Appalachia region. A roundtable discussion is proposed to discuss recovery supported programs, highlight positive outcomes, examine program variations and provide information for starting a CRP/CRC. The panel is comprised of university representatives from three different CRPs/CRCs in Appalachia.
Presentation #1 Title
The Growing Need for Collegiate Recovery Programs in Appalachia
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Today, the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) reports there are over 90 colleges and universities nationwide with established collegiate recovery programs. A cross reference of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) map of Appalachian counties with ARHE’s list of Collegiate Recovery Programs/Communities (CRPs/CRCs) shows there are seven universities/colleges located in Appalachia with established recovery programs.
According to a 2008 ARC commissioned study, there are disproportionately high rates of substance abuse and mental health disorders in Appalachia. The rate of prescription pain killer abuse in Appalachia is rising faster than the rest of the nation. Alcohol continues to be the most abused drug on college campuses, as well as in the nation and throughout Appalachia. Appalachia lags in college completion rates at 17.6% compared to the nation at 24.4% (ARC, 2008).
A nationwide site survey of 29 CRPs/CRCs (A. Laudet, et al., 2013) showed annual relapse rates ranging from 0 to 25%, and academic achievement (GPA and graduation) surpassing the host institution’s overall outcomes.
The lack of collegiate recovery programs located in Appalachia, coupled with high rates of substance abuse and lower college completion rates, show a growing need for more collegiate recovery programs in the Appalachia region. A roundtable discussion is proposed to discuss recovery supported programs, highlight positive outcomes, examine program variations and provide information for starting a CRP/CRC. The panel is comprised of university representatives from three different CRPs/CRCs in Appalachia.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Ann Addington, M.Ed., is the Assistant Director for Health Promotion for Tobacco, Other Drugs, and Recovery at Ohio University. She oversees the collegiate recovery community, facilitates SMART Recovery meetings and coordinates prevention campaigns for tobacco and other drugs on campus.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Cathy Yura, Ed.D. is the Director of the West Virginia University Collegiate Recovery Program. She served as the Director of the WVU Carruth Center for Psychological and Psychiatric services for seventeen years where she also worked as a clinical psychologist. Her current work focuses on the development of a comprehensive collegiate recovery program for WVU which she has embraced as a campus/community project.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Amy Saunders, M.A., is the Director of the MU Wellness Center at Marshall University. She oversees health and wellness initiatives on campus which include evidenced based prevention and early intervention programs. She currently serves as Co-Chair for the Marshall University Substance Use Recovery Coalition.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Jimmy Stitt is a graduate assistant for Health Promotion for Tobacco, Other Drugs and Recovery Ohio University. He facilitates weekly meetings for the Collegiate Recovery Community and presents to first year students, sharing his story of recovery, as well as assisting with tobacco and other drug prevention efforts on campus.
Conference Subthemes
Health
The Growing Need for Collegiate Recovery Programs in Appalachia
Today, the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) reports there are over 90 colleges and universities nationwide with established collegiate recovery programs. A cross reference of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) map of Appalachian counties with ARHE’s list of Collegiate Recovery Programs/Communities (CRPs/CRCs) shows there are seven universities/colleges located in Appalachia with established recovery programs.
According to a 2008 ARC commissioned study, there are disproportionately high rates of substance abuse and mental health disorders in Appalachia. The rate of prescription pain killer abuse in Appalachia is rising faster than the rest of the nation. Alcohol continues to be the most abused drug on college campuses, as well as in the nation and throughout Appalachia. Appalachia lags in college completion rates at 17.6% compared to the nation at 24.4% (ARC, 2008).
A nationwide site survey of 29 CRPs/CRCs (A. Laudet, et al., 2013) showed annual relapse rates ranging from 0 to 25%, and academic achievement (GPA and graduation) surpassing the host institution’s overall outcomes.
The lack of collegiate recovery programs located in Appalachia, coupled with high rates of substance abuse and lower college completion rates, show a growing need for more collegiate recovery programs in the Appalachia region. A roundtable discussion is proposed to discuss recovery supported programs, highlight positive outcomes, examine program variations and provide information for starting a CRP/CRC. The panel is comprised of university representatives from three different CRPs/CRCs in Appalachia.
