DMV Spotlight with Barbara Britt

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the annual "Act on Addiction Survey" campaign, underway for 2026 following the 2025 survey that found nearly half of all Virginians are impacted by addiction in their daily lives either themselves or a family member or close friend. Guest, Dr. Zeina Saliba, MD, Chief of the Addiction and Recovery , and Board Certified Psychiatrist. Dr Saliba explains newly released survey data finds that fear and stigma are barriers to finding solutions and treatment for substance abuse. The data also show that nearly 90 percent of American adults with substance use disorder because using substances in their youth and nearly half didn't know where to find help. Dr. Saliba also explained the many services available at local non-profits and through Inova. The survey found the human cost of addiction is severe: only one in three people who died from an overdose ever received treatment for either a mental health or substance abuse condition.

https://actonaddictionnow.org/act-on-addiction/

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DMV Spotlight shines a light on the current local and nationwide battle over Data Center proliferation. Guest, Julie Bolthouse, Director of Land Use for the Piedmont Environmental Council provides background on the rise of data centers in Virginia and the growing battle over imposing a moratorium on the state level in Virginia to prevent more data center growth until there are state regulations in place. Bolthouse points to extreme water and energy demands by data centers as well as rising electric bill costs for most consumers. She also calls for more transparency on how certain data center deals were approved despite strong local opposition. 

https://www.pecva.org/

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DMV Spotlight shines a light on Breast Cancer Awareness month. Guest, Dr. Pouneh Razavi, Director of Breast Imaging for the National Capitol Region at Sibley Hospital/Johns Hopkins discussed the most recent annual American Cancer Society survey of more than 33 thousand U.S. women.The survey looks at breast cancer risk factors including moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and eliminating tobacco use.Dr. Razavi also noted the disconnect between being aware of the risk factors and actually taking action on reducing the risks. She also offered clear guidance for annual mammograms for healthy women beginning at age 40 who do not have a hereditary risk. She stresses that risk is only in about 15 percent of breast cancer patients. Dr. Razavi also shared information on the annual " Making Strides Against Breast Cancer DC" walk to support breast cancer survivors and thrivers on October 17, 2026 in DC. 

https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_id=112433

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DMV Spotlight shines a light on Ending Veteran Suicide. The grim statistics are well known, 17 veterans a day die by suicide. It is the second-highest cause of death for veterans under the age of 45. Guest, Juan Valdez, once a U.S. Marine who now works with the Wounded Warrior Project explains the shifting attitudes inside the military that now support active duty members making sure they are healthy in every dimension. Valdez also explains the National Suicide Hotline- 9-8-8- also works via text if that is more accessible for the person in crisis. Valdez also explained a number of programs available to veterans in need of support via the Wounded Warrior Project.

https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

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DMV Spotlight shines a light on the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. President and CEO Steve Kline warns if the rural and open farmlands of Maryland's Eastern Shore are not protected from new development and sprawl that would follow a new Bay Bridge ,  the slower place way of life that  Eastern shore residents love and want to sustain for future generations will disappear forever. The  Maryland Transportation Authority is in the midst of planning for a two new Chesapeake Bay Bridge Spans and has identified over 100,000 acres that would be at risk for development. Funding has not yet been approved for the new spans. Kline argues a percentage of any new Bay bridge budget should include money for land conservation for Eastern shore farmers who want to participate in protecting large swaths of land for the future.

https://www.eslc.org/marylands-eastern-shore-land-conservancy/land-conservation/

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DMV Spotlight shines a light on the annual Loudoun County Recovery Fest that highlights all the substance abuse and mental health services that are available across the county as part of Recovery Month. Guest, Evan Braff, Opioid Response Program Coordinator with the Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services announced a new crisis center will be opening in Loudoun in the fall to provide immediate assistance for those facing mental and /or substance abuse crisis. Braff also notes there is more work needed to reduce stigma and barriers to care. Guest Melissa Hinton, Founder and Board Member of Serenity House and a person in Long-Term Recovery shared the need for peer-to-peer support in battling alcohol and drug abuse adding that her younger sister died after struggling with addiction. Recovery Fest is being held on Saturday, Sept 26th , 2026 at the Douglass Community Center in Leesburg, Virginia and is free , family friendly and open to the public.

https://www.loudounserenity.org/2026-recovery-fest

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DMV Spotlight shines a light on teen internet addiction and the recent META lawsuit settlement.  Dr. Clifford Susssman, a DC Psychiatrist Internet and gaming addiction specialist explains the lawsuit settlement will not solve the problem of teens becoming addicted to internet platforms but adds it will not solve the problem. Dr. Sussman compares the dopamine reaction in the brain as similar to gambling, drug and alcohol addictions that need more and more stimulation over time. Dr. Sussman also explains strategies he employs with young people to place teens in charge of their decision making when it comes to setting limits on their own screen use.

WWW.CLIFFORDSUSSMANMD.COM

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With students back in class across the DC Metro area, DMV Spotlight shines a light on Dr. Friendtastic, otherwise known as Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore who specializes in helping children learn how to be a friend and make friends in school and beyond.  Dr. Kennedy-Moore shares simple, reassuring strategies for parents to use to help their children build confidence, make connections and star the school year feeling less anxious. Her blog, Growing Friendships, on Psychology Today, has over 5 million views.

https://drfriendtastic.com/

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DMV Spotlight shines a light on The Arc Prince George's County , a 501-c3 that is committed to empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD ) and provide support for their families as well as providing assistance to accessing healthcare. Guest Ashley Viagbo, Development Administrator offers details on a new grant to help aging county residents with IDD to remain in their homes with the one-on-one care.Viagbo also explains the many services offered by the Arc Prince George's County to assist across all stages of life, including career services and special events to provide respite care for caregivers. 

https://www.thearcofpgc.org/about/

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DMV Spotlight shines a light on new options for DC area employees through Commuter Connections, an outgrowth of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. Guest Daniel Sheehan, who leads the Commuter Connections programs explains that as school kids head back to class, workers return from vacation along with Congress and DC traffic ramps back up. Now, says Sheehan more people are back riding Metro as pre-pandemic. He also talks about new opportunities for DC's unique slug lines now expanding from I-95 to I-66 starting in September of 2026.

https://www.commuterconnections.org/

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