In this episode, Dr. T. Ramon Stuart welcomes Kelly Gnau and Chris Crookshanks for a candid and inspiring discussion about the ongoing efforts to prevent youth substance use in Southern West Virginia. Kelly shares her own lived experience growing up in foster care and struggling with addiction as a teenager, offering a personal lens into why prevention work matters deeply to her.

As Executive Director of the Raleigh County Prevention Coalition, Kelly leads a collaborative effort that includes 12 key community sectors, from healthcare and education to law enforcement and youth organizations. The coalition is built around a model of strategic prevention, using data and local input to create real change. Their mission is to reduce early substance use by addressing root causes like trauma, lack of support systems, and socioeconomic barriers.

Chris Crookshanks brings his unique combination of skills as a digital storyteller and social work student to the coalition’s outreach. His role focuses on amplifying the message of prevention by crafting narratives that move beyond abstract statistics to real-life impact. Together, Kelly and Chris emphasize the importance of community ownership, where anyone, regardless of profession or background, can contribute to a healthier future.

Listeners are encouraged to support the coalition’s work through volunteerism, in-kind support, or tax-deductible contributions through the Neighborhood Investment Program.