Written by Steve B | Updated on Oct 3, 2024
In a powerful demonstration of community support and resource sharing, the inaugural Regional Recovery Day was held at the Henrico Sports and Events Center on Monday, September 30, 2024. This event brought together individuals struggling with addiction, recovery advocates, and treatment professionals to address one of the most pressing public health issues of our time.
Breaking the Cycle of Addiction
One of the event’s highlights was the moving testimony of Serenity Kirby, a Henrico resident who shared her journey of overcoming addiction. Kirby’s story is a testament to the power of determination and support in breaking generational cycles of substance abuse.
“I got incarcerated and I found out I was pregnant with a baby girl,” Kirby recounted. “I knew that I could no longer get high or ruin another child’s life. It was no longer about me.”
Kirby’s two-year journey to recovery, supported by faith, therapy, and group support, exemplifies the multifaceted approach often needed to overcome addiction.
Connecting People with Resources
Leslie Stephen, leader of the substance use and prevention division of Henrico Area Mental Health & Development Services (HAMHDS), emphasized the event’s primary goal: “We really hope to connect people that need recovery resources or substance use resources to those people and to their family members.”
The event featured about 50 vendors providing information and resources, including innovative tools like free pill lockboxes and prescription disposal kits.
Addressing the Opioid Crisis
While Virginia has seen a decline in opioid-related deaths since the peak in 2021, the number of overdoses remains concerningly high. The state has secured over $1.1 billion from national-level opioid settlements, with over $310 million received to date.
These funds are being put to use in “innovative projects,” including the widespread distribution of naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
The Impact of Community Efforts
Stephen attributes the decrease in overdose deaths to these community-focused efforts: “I really do think it’s us saturating the communities with Narcan and people knowing the importance of it. Many of us carry it all the time and can immediately respond.”
Looking Forward
Events like Regional Recovery Day play a crucial role in destigmatizing addiction and connecting individuals with the resources they need. As Kirby advises, “Using is a hopeless place, so people don’t realize that it’s so many opportunities out here, and people want to help.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local health department for information about available treatment services. Remember, recovery is possible, and help is available.
Some information for this post from an article via VPM / NPR / PBS – Regional Recovery Day works to ‘dispel the stigma’ of addiction By Adrienne Hoar McGibbon
Steve B
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