The Eagles in Recovery Program at University of Mary Washington has been awarded a $104,227 grant from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA) to expand support for students in recovery from substance use.
Eagles in Recovery, which began in 2017, offers resources for students in all stages of recovery, from the sober-curious to those overcoming addiction. The state funding will assist with program services, staffing and training. It’s renewable annually for the next four years through a reapplication process, which UMW plans to pursue.
“Eagles in Recovery has become a cornerstone in UMW’s efforts to support student well-being,” said Peer Recovery Specialist Devin Walsh. “This grant helps ensure that students have access to a supportive community and resources to succeed academically while maintaining their recovery.”
The program includes weekly meetings and initiatives, such as recovery ally training, a dedicated clubhouse where students in recovery can connect, and a coffee bike that provides hot beverages, education and outreach. Through the years, additional support for the program’s substance-free mission have come through donor contributions and Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grants.
The state grant, announced over the summer by the OAA, is part of more than $14 million in opioid settlement funds distributed to 18 state agencies across Virginia. Seven public universities, including UMW, were selected to receive funding for prevention, education, treatment and recovery programs.
“This increases our ability to connect and to build partnerships and rapport with groups and individuals whom we have yet to reach,” said Health Promotions and Student Success Specialist Coordinator Ray Tuttle.
Established by the General Assembly in 2021 the OAA oversees distribution of Virginia’s share of national settlement funds from cases related to the opioid crisis. To date, more than $113 million has been awarded to state agencies and localities for opioid abatement and remediation efforts.
To learn more, read the Opioid Abatement Authority Press Release, or visit the Eagles in Recovery or Fund for Mary Washington webpages.
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