Virginia SEOW

The Virginia SEOW aims to develop deliverables that demonstrate how data from different agencies can be used together to tell the full story of substance use and behavioral health status in communities. These deliverables are designed for use across Virginia at both the state and local levels to inform prevention needs and serve as a resource for community organizations and service providers. Past deliverables include a report on the cost savings of prevention, an examination of the impacts of COVID-19 on behavioral health, an overview of health disparities, and a brief on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in Virginia.

In addition, OMNI creates data spotlights for the SEOW on a regular basis. These documents are based on data presentations made at the quarterly SEOW meetings. One SEOW member presents to the group on the information they collect, including data collection methods, context, overarching trends, benefits and limitations of the data, and use and external access. OMNI then takes information from these presentations to develop a one-page data spotlight to inform others of the data source and encourage use of the data to promote cross-collaboration and break down data silos.

SEOW meetings are held four times a year, either remote or in-person in Richmond, VA. Meetings are typically 1.5 – 2 hours. The agenda normally includes a data presentation from a state agency and updates/feedback on deliverables. Please contact VirginiaSEOW@omni.org if you are interested in getting involved in the Virginia SEOW.

SEOW members include representatives from:

  • Community services boards
  • Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
  • Violent Death Reporting System
  • Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority
  • Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
  • Virginia Department of Forensic Science
  • Virginia Department of Health Professions
  • Virginia Department of Health
  • Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice
  • Virginia Department of Social Services
  • Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth
  • Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas