Surry County Community Perspectives on Substance Use and Family Impact
- C. Jamie Edwards
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Substance use remains one of the most pressing and complex challenges facing Surry County, deeply affecting individuals, families, and the broader community. The "Surry County Community Perspectives on Substance Use and Community Impact" report, published by the Surry County Office of Substance Abuse Recovery (SCOSAR) as part of the Surry Strategic Framework 2030, provides a comprehensive examination of local attitudes, experiences, and needs related to substance use.
Drawing on extensive community interviews and survey data, the report highlights both the high level of awareness and the profound concern among residents regarding the prevalence and impact of substance use. Community members consistently report that substance use is a visible, pervasive problem, with consequences that extend far beyond the individual to touch families, schools, workplaces, and the justice system.
The report reveals that while Surry County benefits from strong community engagement and a foundation of awareness, significant barriers remain. Stigma, gaps in resources, and uneven levels of understanding hinder effective prevention and recovery efforts. The findings underscore the interconnectedness of substance use with mental health, trauma, poverty, and generational cycles, emphasizing the need for a holistic, multi-layered response. Community voices call for expanded education, early intervention, accessible treatment, and a shift from punitive to rehabilitative approaches within the justice system. The report concludes that only through coordinated, compassionate, and practical action—engaging all sectors of the community—can Surry County hope to reduce the impact of substance use and foster resilience and recovery for its families and residents.
The mission of the Surry County Office of Substance Abuse Recovery is clear: to build a comprehensive "continuum of care" that eliminates barriers for residents seeking treatment and recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). SCOSAR is dedicated to reducing the impact of substance use on individuals, families, agencies, organizations, and businesses throughout Surry County. The office operates on the belief that evidence-based practices and data-driven approaches are essential for driving positive local policy and community change. Its core values include ethical standards, respect for the dignity and welfare of all people, and a commitment to humility, unity, and service.
The importance of addressing substance use in Surry County cannot be overstated. The community faces unique challenges as a rural area, including limited employment opportunities, pervasive isolation, and the ripple effects of substance use on family structure, government, law enforcement, foster care, and the school system. SCOSAR recognizes that meaningful progress requires an "all-hands-on-deck" approach, engaging not only treatment providers but also families, schools, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, and people with lived experience. The office is committed to reducing stigma, increasing access to care, and fostering a culture of compassion and collective responsibility. By leveraging community strengths and addressing gaps, SCOSAR aims to create lasting solutions that restore hope and improve the health and well-being of all Surry County residents.
C. Jamie Edwards, MA, M.Ed., LCAS, CCS, CPS, LSATP Director Surry County Office of Substance Abuse Recovery
November 18, 2025