ECOP

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ECOP 〰️

Empowered Communities Opioid Project (ECOP)

What is ECOP?

The Empowered Communities Opioid Project (ECOP) helps people involved with the justice system who struggle with opioid use disorder (OUD). Our team works with local partners, healthcare providers, and community resources in five regions across Virginia to connect individuals to the support they need.

Who is involved in ECOP?

ECOP uses Peer Navigators, who are Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS). These peers understand what it’s like to face addiction. They work directly with people who have OUD to guide them, provide support, and connect them to resources. Our Peer Navigators are part of a team that includes justice partners, healthcare providers, and public health experts.

How does ECOP Connect?

ECOP connects with people at key points during their involvement with the justice system. We have Peer Navigators on-site at jails and community corrections locations. Justice partners refer individuals to ECOP and Peer Navigators meet with them before or after release. This helps build a strong connection early on. Our team stays in touch with participants for one year, providing ongoing support and helping them navigate the services they need.

Interested in partnering with ECOP? Email ECOP@gmu.edu to get involved!

  • Rebecca Hurd (she/her)

    MPH
    Senior Community Coordinator

  • Jeremy Burton (he/him)

    CPRS, iFPRS
    Community Site Coordinator
    Prince William County, VA

  • Caitlyn Mundie (she/her)

    CPRS
    Community Site Coordinator
    Chesterfield County, VA

  • Delisha Jennings (she/her)

    AA, HSTARS
    Community Site Coordinator
    Portsmouth/Norfolk County, VA

  • Lauren Ball (she/her)

    R-CPRS
    Peer Navigator
    Prince William County, VA

  • Deborah Beaudoin (she/her)

    CPRS

    Peer Navigator
    Portsmouth/Norfolk County, VA

  • Christina Moore (she/her)

    R-CPRS, FPRS
    Peer Navigator
    Petersburg County, VA

  • Wendy Niles (she/her)

    CPRS
    Peer Navigator
    Chesterfield County, VA

  • Marlon Turner (he/him)

    CPRS, FPRS, CSAC-A
    Peer Navigator
    Chesterfield County, VA

  • Nancy Spencer (she/her)

    QMHP, CWDP

    Program Manager, ECOP

  • Rebecca Sutter (she/her)

    DNP APRN BC-FNP

    Primary Investigator, ECOP

  • Nora Elnahas (she/her)

    DNP, APRN,FNP-BC