A podcast focused on promoting wellness in the Shenandoah Valley through conversation, connection, and action. Join us for thoughtful discussions with individuals making a difference in our community.
Publisher
Northwestern Community Services Board Prevention Department
S5 E2: Dr. Michelle Peace and Dr. Alaina Holt on 'Science Today for a Safer Tomorrow'
In this episode, we’re talking with Dr. Alaina Holt and Dr. Michelle Peace from the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research about the importance of relationships within research, what they are seeing in the e-cigarette and cannabis product markets right now, the importance of sharing their findings with the community, and the role we all have to play in keeping our communities safe, healthy, and informed.
Referenced Resources:
VCU Department of Forensic Science: https://forensicscience.vcu.edu/
VCU Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research: https://blogs.vcu.edu/mrpeace/
LFTR Research Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rndBDBH8N5Ie18HM0JqT_wJ4NhKNdaR7?usp=sharing
Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth: https://vfhy.org/
Dr. Peace is a forensic toxicologist and a Full Professor in the Department of Forensic Science at VCU. She is one of the founding faculty for the Department and served as Associate Chair and Chair for nearly a decade. Dr. Peace has also served as a manager in a private forensic drug testing laboratory and has worked as a scientist for Procter & Gamble, where she holds 3 patents. Dr. Peace has been funded by the National Institute of Justice to study the efficacy of electronic cigarettes, particularly as they pertain to substance use and abuse. Dr. Peace serves on the Board for Virginia’s Cannabis Control Authority, is a Past President of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists, is a member of The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. She is a member of the National Safety Council’s Alcohol, Drugs, and Impairment Division.
Dr. Holt is a forensic toxicologist and an Associate Research Faculty member in the Department of Forensic Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. She works within the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology research where she assists students, maintains instrumentation, and completes casework. Her current research includes characterizing vaping products confiscated from Virginia school students; characterizing cannabis and cannabinoid-products for quality and labeling accuracy; assessing impacts of vaping on alcohol impairment evaluations; and evaluating novel treatments for opioid overdoses. Dr. Holt is an active member of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists, The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the International Association of Chemical Testing, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Dr. Holt is also a member of the National Safety Council’s Alcohol, Drugs, and Impairment Division.
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.
8 Jan 2026
Season 5 Episode 1: Mathew Snyder on RemedyGuard & Accessibility Within Prevention Work
In this episode, we’re talking with Mathew Snyder about RemedyGuard, the difference between availability and accessibility, and what it looks like to build trust within communities.
Mathew Snyder knows firsthand how unaddressed trauma can ripple through generations. Over the course of his life- through adverse childhood experiences, his military service and education- Mathew never stopped thinking about prevention, and how to break cycles of trauma, addiction, and loss. In 2021, Mathew founded RemedyGuard to tackle these issues head-on. Medication lock boxes aren’t just a product to him, they’re a mission. He believes real change comes from activating parents, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to secure lethal means before tragedy strikes. Through coalition building, public health advocacy, and direct action, he works to turn awareness into lasting change.
Referenced Resources:
RemedyGuard: https://remedyguard.com/
Operation Parent: https://www.operationparent.org/
Poison Control: https://www.poison.org/
Young People in Recovery: https://youngpeopleinrecovery.org/
Topics discussed in this episode include overdose loss, substance use, and suicidality. 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.
14 May 2025
S4 E8: Liam Hudson on The Lean In Project and Capacity Building Across the Commonwealth
On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Liam Hudson about The Lean In Project, what it looks like to build capacity and partner effectively across a region, and the many ways in which we continue to do important work in challenging times.
Liam Hudson is a dedicated advocate for housing access, health equity, and LGBTQIA+ rights. As the Founder & CEO of the Lean In Project, Liam has led initiatives that uplift and empower LGBTQIA+ Virginians through advocacy, community engagement, and resource development. With a Master of Management in Health Policy and certification as a Trauma-Informed Care Trainer, Liam brings a deep understanding of the intersections between housing, health, and social justice. His career spans direct service, state-level housing administration, and program management, always centering equity and systemic change.
Referenced Resources:
The Lean In Project website: https://www.leaninproject.org/
The Lean In Project social media: https://www.instagram.com/leaninprojectva/
We Stand Together Summit: https://www.leaninproject.org/we-stand-together-summit
Equality Virginia: https://equalityvirginia.org/
Hampton Roads Life Center (Now LGBT Life Center): https://lgbtlifecenter.org/
The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
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.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 24 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
35
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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