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- calendar_today November 8, 2026
Henrico County Secures Major Grant for Addiction Resources
Henrico County has received a significant financial boost to its ongoing battle against addiction. The Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority has awarded the county $1.7 million to support and expand addiction prevention and treatment initiatives, local officials confirmed on November 7, 2026.
How the Funding Will Be Used
This substantial grant will fund more than a dozen individual projects aimed at addressing substance abuse and supporting community recovery. Initiatives include the deployment of a fully staffed mobile treatment truck, expanded free Narcan distribution, and more accessible treatment options for first responders. The overall goal is to reach residents in need and provide life-saving resources directly to the community.
Community-Based Solutions
Amy Handley, Executive Director at Avenues Recovery Center, emphasized the importance of bringing services into neighborhoods. "It’s difficult for a lot of people to get the facilities that offer those services," Handley said. She highlighted the impact of outreach, noting, "Being able to come into the community, locate those folks and help them stay on their treatment, I think, is a big step forward for the community."
Current State of Addiction in Henrico
Recent data from the Virginia Department of Health indicates that overdose rates in Richmond and Henrico are declining. Despite this progress, Handley cautioned that the struggle with addiction is far from over. "The risk hits people all walks of life. There is not a zip code or a type of person or a type of profession that is impacted. So you never know where you might be, where somebody might be in need of what is really life-saving treatment," she said.
Improving Access to Help and Support
Handley acknowledged the challenges many individuals face when seeking help for addiction. She hopes the infusion of new funding will enable greater awareness and accessibility for people in need of support and education. "Pick up that phone. There is a person on the other side of it," Handley stressed, adding that many staff answering calls have firsthand experience with recovery and offer a judgment-free approach to assistance. She further advocated for continued investment in effective treatment programs and outreach efforts.
Role of the Empower Henrico Task Force
The diverse initiatives funded by the grant are organized under the Empower Henrico Task Force, which coordinates local responses to substance abuse. Handley expressed optimism for those affected by addiction, saying, "Whether it’s your first time seeking treatment or your 20th, you still can rebuild an amazing life. If you survived active addiction, you can survive an amazing life in recovery."
Finding Help for Substance Abuse
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, resources and treatment options can be found through the national helpline at SAMHSA.
Source: wric.com.
