Swedish artist to release new song honoring Chesterfield Sheriff’s HARP program

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A tribute song to the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office's Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) Program is expected to be released on Spotify on Friday, Feb. 14.

The HARP Program was established to aid the greater Richmond community and provide education, resources, treatment, and healthy alternatives to individuals in recovery.

"Back Into The Light" is the song paying tribute and was composed by Ulf Sandström. Sandström is a world-renowned specialist in Trauma Therapy and the founder of the Peaceful Heart Network. He is also has played with artists such as Albert King, The Drifters and James Wheeler.

According to a release from the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office, Sandström was inspired to write the song after he spent many hours with the participants of HARP over Zoom and had a weeklong visit at the Chesterfield County Jail.

"With 'Back Into The Light,' I wanted to create a piece that not only tells a story but also serves
as a companion for those navigating the challenges of recovery—especially when shame becomes a barrier," Sandström said. "By letting go of shame and focusing on stepping back into the light, the road beyond sobriety can be much shorter."

Though the song is being released on Spotify, Ulf Sandström does not aim to make a profit. He wants all of the proceeds to go towards the HARP-RVA charitable non-profit program.

Music has been an integral part of the HARP program. Just last year, popular singer-songwriter Jelly Roll visited inmates at the Chesterfield County Jail as part of the program.

To learn more about the HARP program, visit its website.