Resource Library
May 13, 2024
Building Mutually Beneficial Partnerships With Universities—A Focus on the Martinsburg, West Virginia, Initiative
A growing number of community organizations are developing innovative, multisectoral collaborations to advance well-being in their communities and provide solutions to complex challenges such as substance use. The Martinsburg, West Virginia, Initiative is one such collaboration. It has engaged nearby Shepherd University in efforts to support evaluation and workforce development. Dynamic partnerships between police, educators, and community and public health organizations work together to build the capacity of the local workforce to respond to the needs of the community and support youth and families. To date, the initiative has trained more than 15 social work interns and has responded to more than 433 referrals for students and families.