SAARA Launches Regional Collaborative "Project RECOVER" to Address Rising Opioid Overdoses

Written By Guest User

Media Contact:

Chris Dobrogosz communications@saara.org

804-762-4445

For Immediate Release:

SAARA of Virginia announces Grant Award for Emergency Peer Support Services; launches regional collaborative "Project RECOVER" to address rising opioid overdoses. 

Richmond, Virginia, 10/11/2021 — SAARA of Virginia has been awarded $300,000 in grant funding from the Washington/Baltimore High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). This funding will serve as a springboard to launch a regional collaborative effort to address the opioid epidemic in the Greater Richmond Region. Known as Project RECOVER, this new program will pair Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS) with emergency service providers in Richmond, Chesterfield, and Henrico. Project RECOVER will work directly with individuals suffering from Substance Use Disorder (SUD) who have come into contact with emergency medical services or law enforcement. 

"Last year, we saw a 150% increase in fatal opioid overdoses in Richmond alone. We expect these numbers to keep rising due to COVID-19," said Victor McKenzie, Jr., Executive Director for SAARA of Virginia. "So, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with regional partners and combat this alarming trend by providing immediate support."

Project RECOVER aims to achieve several goals:

  • Increase access to resources for those in crisis.

  • Help victims navigate those resources.

  • Improve training for law enforcement officers as they respond to crises.

  • Ultimately reduce the stigma that comes with SUD.

The CPRSs who fill these roles will bring their first-hand knowledge of addiction and recovery, and be armed with a handbook of resources and educational material to help struggling individuals understand the options available to them. Additionally, these professional peers will train first responders, including police officers, to deliver appropriate, life-saving support to those suffering from an overdose.  

 SAARA of Virginia is a statewide organization that advocates, educates, and supports individuals, families, and communities affected by substance abuse and addiction, with most of our work occurring here in Richmond.

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