Regional Recovery Day to offer resources, hope for overcoming addiction

Free public event on Sept. 30 will feature speakers, resource fair and forum

The counties of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover and the city of Richmond will present Regional Recovery Day on Monday, Sept. 30 to share expert insight, resources and hope for those struggling with substance-use disorders.

The event will be held from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Henrico Sports & Events Center, 1 All Star Boulevard. Admission is free and open to the public. Parents of school-aged children are strongly encouraged to attend.

Organized in support of September as National Recovery Month, Regional Recovery Day will feature keynote addresses by addiction experts Dr. Andreas Bienert and Dr. William J. Lynch Jr. Bienert, chief clinical officer of the Richmond-based Master Center for Addiction Medicine, will explain addiction. Lynch, a clinical pharmacist with the Central Virginia Overdose Working Group, the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program, will focus on vaping illicit substances, which is rising among area youth and can involve highly addictive and dangerous drugs.

Regional Recovery Day also will include a panel discussion featuring area residents who are in recovery and family members.

Attendees will be able to visit a resource fair that will offer nearly 50 vendors, such as providers of treatment, recovery and prevention services. They also will be able to try AcuWellness, a form of acupuncture that is used to promote relaxation and treat cravings. In addition, guests will be able to learn to administer naloxone, a medication in a nasal spray form that is used to temporarily revive someone following an overdose of opioids.

“The health and well-being of our residents, especially our youth, are vital to our success as a region,” said Tyrone E. Nelson, chair of the Henrico Board of Supervisors. “That’s why our county and its Empower Henrico Task Force are proud to partner with Chesterfield, Hanover and Richmond to share the Regional Recovery Day symposium and resource fair. We want all residents to understand that substance use and addiction represent acute threats to our community. At the same time, we want everyone who is touched by this disease to know that recovery also is possible.”

“There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our community members,” said Jim Holland, chair of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors and treasurer of the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority Board of Directors. “Substance use has devastated far too many, but I’m confident that together we can reduce its impact on those in our region. This event aims to destigmatize conversations about substance use, as well as spread awareness about life-saving treatment.”

“As we face the challenges of substance use and addiction, it’s crucial that we come together as a region to offer support, resources and hope to our community members,” said Susan P. Dibble, chair of the Hanover Board of Supervisors. “Hanover County is committed to being a part of this important conversation and to supporting those on their journey to recovery.”

“Richmond is proud to stand with our neighboring localities in supporting those with substance-use disorders,” Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney said. “Our community has shown tremendous resilience, and events like this remind us of the power of unity, hope, and that recovery is possible. We will continue to support those in recovery and invest in the resources that strengthen our region’s health and well-being. This event is a testament to regional partnerships that create a safe and healthier future for everyone.”

For more information on Regional Recovery Day, visit bouncebackhc.com.