International Journal of Education and Social Science (IJESS)

This paper presents the multi-year collaboration between Social Work faculty and community stakeholders in a rural Appalachian region to address the community needs generated by the high rate of substance abuse. A needs assessment was administered to substance abuse counselors, child protection workers, and intimate partner violence workers in twenty eight counties. Outcomes developed from the survey findings include: offering Substance Abuse Certification classes; developing a minor in Substance Abuse Counseling; and educating middle and high school students on the consequences of substance use/abuse.