MCCD presents the inaugural Madison Excellence in Community-Based Research Award at the 2025 Public Service Reception
On April 22nd, 2025, MCCD presented the incredible UPCARE team with the Madison Excellence in Community-Based Research Award at the 16th annual 2025 Public Service Reception. The 2025 Public Service reception, facilitated by JMU’s Master’s in Public Administration Program (MPA) and co-sponsored by MCCD, celebrates the important work of public service professionals in the Valley and beyond. The MCCD Award for Excellence in Community-Based Research recognizes the contributions of engaged researchers who advance evidence-based practices to create meaningful impacts in their communities. Dr. Metzler Sawin, Dr. Christina Lam, Dr. Tina Switzer, and Dr. Jamie Robinson were honored for their transformative work on the UPCARE Project. This project significantly expanded the primary care nursing workforce in underserved and rural communities across Northwestern Virginia. Their work led to the creation of new RN roles in primary care, reduced hospitalization, and increased preventative care. The project’s lasting impact demonstrates a deep commitment to community health and innovation in nursing education.
MCCD Hosts Regional Sequential Intercept Mapping at JMU
On May 14 and 15, 2024, MCCD co-hosted a Sequential Intercept Model Mapping Workshop for the Rockingham Harrisonburg Justice and Mental Health Collaboration (RHJMHC). The event, which was facilitated by Policy Research Associates (PRA), brought together nearly 50 representatives from dozens of regional criminal justice, mental health, housing, and social service organizations to map and create action plans for diverting individuals with mental health and substance use disorders from the criminal legal system.
MCCD Connects Practitioners, Researchers, and Students to Learn about Recovery Court Best Practices
On February 29, 2024, the Madison Center for Community Development hosted a campus talk on 'Criminal Justice Reform and the Role of Drug Courts: Emerging Research Topics,' featuring special guest speaker Dr. Daryll Jackson, a national expert on problem-solving courts. The event was attended by James Madison University students, faculty, and key community stakeholders, including regional drug court coordinators, judges, and Commonwealth attorneys.
Dr. Jackson presented research on the pivotal role of drug courts in criminal justice reform, highlighting best practices to improve treatment access, reduce recidivism among individuals with substance use and co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, and build healthier communities. The interactive session allowed attendees to engage with the latest research and ask questions, fostering a collaborative and insightful dialogue.
The Madison Center for Community Development was excited host this inaugural event, marking the first of many future initiatives aimed at advancing community-focused solutions.