MAT Archives - Culpeper Overdose Awareness

2. Culpeper’s heroin plague persists, but hope is on the horizon

Abuse of heroin and other pain-numbing opioids continued to plague the area – and country – in 2019, with Culpeper County remaining in the upper tier statewide for associated overdoses and deaths.

But even amid the hopelessness and suffering that come with drug addiction, hope is emerging as community groups collaborate on solutions.

At its first meeting of 2019, the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a permit to open the area’s first long-term drug treatment center. Mountain View Community Church is leading the push for the facility, called Christ-Centered Addiction Restoration Services, or CARS, on a 39-acre horse farm off U.S. 15 south of town.

The church, which holds weekly RESTORE support groups, is working to raise $900,000 to open the place while CRUSH – Community Resources United to Stop Heroin – remains active in that mission. A collaboration of various community agencies, CRUSH held various events in 2019 including an Opioid Epidemic Town Hall in January at which Warrenton Town Councilman Sean Polster dubbed our region “the epicenter” of the deadly problem.

I was grateful to participate in the Voices of Addiction & Recovery Symposium. Co-hosted by the Windmore Foundation for the Arts, it’s goal was to share the challenges that someone with addiction faces and the reality that there is hope – recovery is possible.

Ralisha Banks reads a poem she wrote titled “She is Me”. It’s raw honesty impacted listeners.

The Symposium included a panel discussion with Culpeper Police Captain Tim Chilton, local Medication Assisted Treatment provider Dr. DeRoo, Prevention Specialist Alan Rasmussen with the Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services, and myself, representing Culpeper Overdose Awareness and families who’ve lost a loved one to addiction.

Rebecca Fleming reads the poem “My-Master” at the Voices of Addiction and Recovery Symposium

Interspersed among panel discussions were readings of poetry that convey the struggle and depth of pain addiction brings. Community member Ralisha Banks read a poem she authored, “She Is Me,” sharing her experience of growing up in a home with abuse and drug addiction, a pattern that showed up in her own adult life. Her words were the most powerful of the night.

A display of art made by folks in recovery or still struggling with drug abuse was on display, and community resources were on hand for everyone to take.

Read the full story by Allison Brophy Champion at The Culpeper Star Exponent.

MAT

Addiction Resources make Top 10 local stories of 2019

2. Culpeper’s heroin plague persists, but hope is on the horizon

Voices of Addiction & Recovery Symposium

*All photos by Allison Brophy Champion