The Marshall University Center of Excellence for Recovery (COE) proudly announces the appointment of Tammy Collins, PhD, as a voting member of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) National Advisory Council (NAC). Dr. Collins’ appointment marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first West Virginian to serve on the council, bringing invaluable expertise and perspectives to the national stage.
The CSAP NAC, comprised of 12 distinguished members appointed by the Secretary, plays a pivotal role in advising the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, the SAMHSA Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use (Assistant Secretary), and the CSAP Director on critical matters related to substance abuse prevention. Members of the council, at least half of whom possess advanced degrees in various relevant fields, collaborate to develop state and local prevention systems and implement evidence-based programs to address substance abuse challenges nationwide.
Dr. Tammy Collins, a native of West Virginia, and Associate Director of Marshall University’s Center of Excellence for Recovery, holds a research-intensive Doctorate in Human Development and Family Science from The Ohio State University with a specialization in youth behavioral health protective and risk factors. Her extensive background in prevention, combined with her years of applied research at the local and state levels, makes her a valuable addition to the CSAP NAC. Dr. Collins has led groundbreaking research initiatives and spearheaded community-based prevention programs, earning recognition for her contributions to the field.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Collins was selected to serve on CSAP’s National Advisory Council and that she will be the first West Virginian to represent the state on the national level,” said Amy Saunders, Managing Director of the Center of Excellence for Recovery. “We have the distinct pleasure of witnessing her passion and the expertise that she brings to the prevention field and to our communities every day in the state. She is truly one in a million and we are fortunate to have her at Marshall University.”
As a member of the CSAP NAC, Dr. Collins will play a key role in advising on policies and programs that promote evidence-based prevention practices, strengthen family and youth resilience, and foster healthier communities. Her unique perspective as a West Virginian will enhance the council’s ability to address regional disparities and tailor interventions to meet diverse community needs effectively. “It’s such a privilege to be a voice at the national level for certified prevention specialists and the rural communities they serve,“ says Dr. Collins.