IMPACT WV program publishes article in Digital Health on advancing substance use and family support education in rural WV

The study evaluates the effectiveness of the IMPACT WV training portal as a resource for service providers and families affected by substance use in rural West Virginia.

Friday, February 13, 2026

Members of the IMPACT WV team had their research article "Evaluating the IMPACT WV training portal: Advancing substance use and family support education in rural West Virginia," published in the peer-reviewed journal Digital Health.

This study highlights the development and evaluation of the IMPACT WV training portal, the online educational resource designed to support service providers working with families affected by substance use in rural West Virginia.

The findings show the commitment of rural service providers to enhance their competencies through the IMPACT WV training portal. It highlights the need for adaptive educational strategies to align with participant feedback, ultimately aiming to improve service provider knowledge, service delivery, and outcomes for families facing substance use disorders in rural communities.

Huge congratulations to the amazing staff and collaborators whose dedication and hard work made this publication possible! Your passion for improving rural health education and support has made a meaningful contribution to the field.

Publication authors:
Dr. Lesley Cottrell, director WVU CED, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, WVU; Charlotte Workman, IMPACT WV program manager, WVU CED; Melina Danko, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, WVU CED; Mark Smith, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, WVU; Jeremy Bock, WVU CED.