The University of West Georgia has been awarded two significant state grants totaling more than $270,000 to advance student well‑being, expand prevention education and enhance support services for students impacted by sexual assault and substance use disorders. Through new funding from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust (GOCAT), UWG will deepen its commitment to fostering a safe, healthy and supportive campus environment. 

UWG received $106,656 in VOCA funding to strengthen its trauma‑informed response to sexual assault. The grant will expand 24/7 access to sexual assault nurse examiners, crisis intervention and victim advocacy, while broadening prevention education efforts to reach approximately 80 percent of students living on or near campus.  

The program anticipates serving survivors through confidential, survivor‑centered care that prioritizes immediate medical attention, ongoing support and coordinated responses among Health Services, Title IX, UWG Police and UWG CARES. Sexual assault remains a critical issue on college campuses nationwide, with national data showing that one in five women and one in 16 men experience sexual violence during their college years and that most incidents go unreported. Since 2018, UWG has received more than $1.8 million in VOCA funding to support this essential work. 

In addition, UWG has been awarded $164,206.50 through GOCAT to launch Wolves RISE (Recover, Inspire, Support, Empower), a collegiate recovery program designed to support students affected by substance use disorders. Beginning in January 2026, Wolves RISE offers a comprehensive, peer‑led support system that promotes academic success, wellness and long‑term recovery. The program will include a dedicated Addiction Recovery Support Center for meetings, sober social events and leadership development; harm‑reduction services such as naloxone access and training; and campus‑wide prevention initiatives aimed at reducing stigma and strengthening community awareness.  

The need for such services is significant, as Carroll County recorded 38 overdose deaths in 2022 and national data shows high rates of binge drinking and substance dependence among college students. Collegiate recovery programs across the country demonstrate strong outcomes, including graduation rates near 90 percent and lower relapse rates. 

“This grant allows us to create a safe, stigma‑free environment where students in recovery can thrive academically and personally,” said Karrie Gilroy, project director for Wolves RISE. “Wolves RISE is more than a program – it’s a lifeline that empowers students to succeed while building a healthier campus community.” 

The Wolves RISE program will operate under UWG’s Office of Health Promotion and collaborate with partners including the Georgia Department of Public Health, the Recovery Spot and Carroll County Mental Health Advocates. 

Together, these grants reinforce UWG’s ongoing commitment to student safety, survivor support, and holistic well‑being – ensuring that students have access to the resources, care and community they need to thrive.