SAARA of Virginia Supports Proposed Health Equity Fund and Urges City of Richmond to Continue to Invest in Peer Recovery Support Programs
For Immediate Release:
SAARA of Virginia Supports Proposed Health Equity Fund and Urges City of Richmond to Continue to Invest in Peer Recovery Support Programs for Substance Use Disorder and Proven Harm Reduction Strategies to Combat Rising Overdoses
Richmond, Virginia, 10/05/2021— Mayor Levar Stoney recently announced his comprehensive proposal to utilize the City of Richmond’s allocation of $155 million from the American Rescue Plan. This includes a $5 million investment in a Health Equity Fund administered through the Richmond City Health District. This is a crucial step towards building a healthier, more resilient community while addressing health disparities. As this process unfolds, SAARA urges the city of Richmond to allocate funding for Peer Recovery Support Services, same-day admission to inpatient care, and Comprehensive Harm Reduction (CHR) programs.
Richmond has been hit especially hard by both the opioid crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, the city saw a 150% increase in fatal opioid overdoses (compared to a 29% increase nationally). Fortunately, investing in peer support and other harm-reduction programs (such as Narcan training and distribution) are proven effective strategies for combating this trend and saving lives of individuals affected by substance use disorder.
“These programs provide life-saving services in addition to creating new public health-related jobs in the area. With the popularity and success of these programs continuing to grow, and the chance to make historic public investments at hand, Richmond is now in a position to be the next trendsetter for Virginia and the entire country,” said Victor McKenzie Jr., executive director of SAARA.
Peer recovery support services are delivered by Certified Peer Recovery Specialists who have successfully navigated their own recovery process and can therefore extend the reach of treatment beyond the clinical setting into an individual’s community. The evidence shows that this type of support helps individuals stay engaged in the recovery process over the long term.
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Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance (SAARA) of Virginia is a leading voice on substance use disorder and recovery. As a 501c3 Recovery Advocacy Organization, our purpose is to provide individuals, families and communities with education, advocacy and support.
Media Contact:
Chris Dobrogosz, Communications Manager
804-762-4445