VARR Conversation with Thought Leaders on Recovery, Treatment, and Prevention
| RICHMOND – The Virginia Association of Recovery Residences (VARR) hosted a community conversation on Thursday, September 29th and brought together Commissioner Nelson Smith, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; Jim Newton, Chief Administrative Officer, Tucker Pavilion at HCA Virginia’s Chippenham Hospital; and David Rook, Managing Partner, True Recovery RVA in recognition of September as National Recovery Month. Throughout the hour-long discussion moderated by Anthony Grimes, Executive Director of VARR, the common theme of hope and the importance of community support in recovery was shared from the unique perspectives of the panelists. |
| Commissioner Nelson Smith, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services highlighted the development of a ‘North Star’ strategic plan – the first new strategic plan in eight years for the agency – stating, “Stepping into this role, one of the things I’ve thought a lot about and heard throughout the state is hope. I’ve always thought that hope is a qualitative thing, but it’s actually an actionable item because hope is something that is as real as the air we breathe around us. Here in Virginia, when it comes to recovery, hope is central to everything that we’re doing in the department.” Jim Newton, Chief Administrative Officer, Tucker Pavilion at HCA Virginia’s Chippenham Hospital offered insight based on his extensive background in supporting recovery from a hospital setting, as well as HCA Virginia’s investments in behavioral health services and resources available at Tucker’s Pavilion at Chippenham Hospital stating, “It’s a journey and what we’re trying to do here at HCA is link Virginians back into the community once they’ve reached a safe place and that will take the collective effort of our community. We’re very encouraged, we’ve expanded both the partial hospitalization program and intensive outpatient program and we’ve established an after school program.” |
| David Rook, Managing Partner, True Recovery RVA provided his perspective and experience advocating for Virginia recovery support, specifically highlighting the importance of recovery housing, stating, “A lot of times, at a recovery house is where people initially find hope. They see people that have been where they’ve been, done what they’ve done and they end up being successful.” Anthony Grimes, Executive Director, VARR concluded the discussion stating, “As a person in longtime recovery, I know from personal experience that recovery is a challenge and I hope that what people take away from this event is that across all spheres of the system of care, people care and people want to support you in your recovery. It takes a community to fight addiction and this group of dynamic people coming together is our community trying to provide better services for all those in need. And we don’t want anyone left behind.” Commenting on the event, Virginia Delegate Lamont Bagby (District 74) encouraged the community conversation to continue in stating, “I am committed to making recovery possible for all Virginians and ensuring those in need, particularly in Black and underrepresented communities, receive the resources and support they need and deserve. My hope is that we can continue the important collaboration between our local providers, community-based organizations, and at all levels of government to increase access and support for drug prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support services in Richmond and across the Commonwealth.” |
| To watch the highlights of the virtual event ‘Making Recovery Possible: A Virtual Community Conversation and Celebration of Recovery, Treatment and Prevention,’ CLICK HERE. Additional source quotes and follow-up interviews are available upon request, please contact Matthew Conner at matthewc@varronline.org for more information. About VARR: As Virginia’s only NARR accredited body, VARR monitors, evaluates, and improves standards to build the highest level of quality for recovery residences; so all Virginian’s have timely access to effective recovery support services. To learn more about VARR, visit our website at https://varronline.org. |
