Regional Recovery Day brings Central Virginia together to share resources, reduce stigma
VENN
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — Residents from across Central Virginia gathered Wednesday evening at the Henrico Sports & Events Center for the second annual Regional Recovery Day.
The collaborative event was hosted in partnership with Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover and the City of Richmond. It focuses on connecting residents with treatment, prevention and support.
(Photo: 8News)
Organizers said regional cooperation is critical because addiction affects every community and often crosses jurisdictional lines.
“Substance use knows no boundaries. Individuals from all of our localities are constantly moving between all of our localities,” said Jennifer Patterson, Chesterfield’s opioid abatement administrator. “It was just really important that we let everyone know about the resources that exist within our region so that folks can gain access.”
Jason Alley with Richmond’s newly established Office of Opioid and Substance Abuse Response said events like this aim to pair urgency with hope.
“It’s a problem, but it’s also a solution for all of us, and when we work together, we have better options,” Alley said.
(Photo: 8News)
Preliminary data from the Virginia Department of Health show 1,403 drug overdose deaths statewide last year. Local leaders say that’s why they’re focused on expanding prevention, treatment and recovery services, as well as reducing stigma so more people feel safe asking for help.
The event featured a resource fair and personal stories from people living in recovery, including Dr. Stephen Loyd, an addiction medicine physician. He shared his story of being in recovery from opioid and benzodiazepine addiction for 21 years. He now advocates for expanding access to care.
“When we get somebody into the system of care that’s designed to make them well, they actually get well and then go on and lead productive lives,” said Dr. Loyd. “People deserve as many chances as they need, and we need to be there to help them when they’re ready."
