SCOSAR Training Catalog - 2025
- C. Jamie Edwards
- 7 minutes ago
- 2 min read
As Director of the Surry County Office of Substance Abuse Recovery (SCOSAR), I am deeply committed to ensuring that our community has access not only to services, but also to the education and tools needed to understand substance use and recovery. Substance use disorder (SUD) is not an individual issue — it is a family and community issue.
Our recent Substance Use and Its Impact on Families survey makes this clear: nearly half of families told us they had little to no knowledge of SUD when their loved one began struggling. Families emphasized that what they need most is education, training, and guidance — not just on addiction itself, but on how to set boundaries, support recovery, access services, and care for themselves.
The community’s voice is direct. Families asked us for help in reducing stigma, breaking generational cycles of addiction, and understanding how to intervene early and effectively. They want education that is practical and accessible — training on what addiction really is, what to expect in treatment and recovery, and how to raise children impacted by a loved one’s substance use. They also want professionals — educators, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and faith leaders — to be trained in recognizing and responding to addiction with compassion rather than judgment.
Providing training and technical assistance is one of the most important things we can do to answer that call. By equipping families, professionals, and community members with knowledge and skills, we are closing the gap between struggle and support. Education builds resilience, reduces stigma, and ensures that no family has to navigate the challenges of substance use alone or uninformed.
This catalog represents SCOSAR’s commitment to transforming survey findings into action. Each training offering is designed to meet the real needs expressed by our community — from early prevention for youth, to equipping employers with recovery-friendly practices, to training recovery coaches in specialized settings. Together, through education and collaboration, we can create a more informed, compassionate, and recovery-oriented Surry County.
The opportunities provided in the catalog are only the beginning of an intentional effort to provide research, education and training opportunities to Surry County. With gratitude and determination.
C. Jamie Edwards, MA, M.Ed, LCAS, LSATP, CCS, CPS
Director
Surry County Office of Substance Abuse Recovery
September 2025