Lora Peppard, assistant professor of nursing, and director of behavioral health services for the Mason and Partners (MAP) clinics, is being recognized with the Virginia Nurses Foundation “40 Under 40” Award.
Recipients of the award must demonstrate achievements in the areas of professional practice, leadership, and impact. Award winners have significantly contributed to leadership within the nursing profession through clinical practice, education, research, policy involvement, and/or health care innovation; have demonstrated leadership in the practice setting, community affairs, and/or nursing professional organizations; and positively promote and advance the nursing profession beyond the practice setting.
“Dr. Peppard receiving this honor demonstrates the caliber of faculty we have in our School of Nursing and their dedication to improving nursing care through practice and education,” said Carol Urban, director of the School of Nursing.
Peppard is currently leading the Mason TEAMS-UP (Training to Engage, Assess, and Motivate for Substance Use Prevention) project, which is funded by a three-year, $920,000 grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.
The project focuses on training students, faculty, and community partners on the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) process using a transdisciplinary approach. Students from nursing, psychology, and social work disciplines apply SBIRT skills together as they rotate through the Mason and Partners (MAP) clinics and then carry the skills and interprofessional experience forward in their practice. Contributing to the development of the current and future workforce, TEAMS-UP faculty will develop training teams to offer on-site training in high impact areas, and annual training for community organizations.
Peppard has worked in psychiatry for 12 years, pioneering the role of psychiatric nurse practitioners in several clinical settings with an emphasis on integrated care models. She specializes in medication and psychotherapy management of severe mental health disorders and has recently worked with Rebecca Sutter and Carrie Sutter in the development of the Bridge Care model, which is utilized by the MAP clinics.
“Dr. Peppard’s role as director of behavioral health services for the MAP clinics is vital as we work to increase access to these types of services in underserved communities,” said Rebecca Sutter, co-director of the MAP clinics and assistant professor of nursing.
Peppard will receive her award during the Virginia Nurses Foundation Gala on November 21 in Richmond.