Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority

Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority Addressing the opioid epidemic in Virginia by funding efforts to treat, prevent, and reduce opioid misuse.

06/10/2026

“I wanted something to help people instead of just locking them up.” — Judge Stacey Moreau

That something is now the Danville-Pittsylvania County Treatment Court.

In Virginia’s 22nd District — serving the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County — Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority funding is helping make recovery not just possible, but sustainable, through the treatment court there.

“I’ve heard people in the community tell me that what you’re doing isn't going to work for this person,” said Shelly Morton, a Probation Officer with the Virginia Department of Corrections. “I’ve got proof that it does."

Substance use disorder is never an individual issue. Every person navigating it is surrounded by loved ones living the c...
06/09/2026

Substance use disorder is never an individual issue. Every person navigating it is surrounded by loved ones living the crisis alongside them.

Next week, at the Virginia Recovery Conference in Roanoke, attendees will get a special screening of the award-winning documentary "Together: Family Recovery."

This powerful, intimate film redefines what recovery can look like — through the lens of family. Attendees will also get a preview of the film's companion guide and a live Q&A with Illume Family Recovery Executive Director, Co-Producer, and Co-Director Shelly Young.

If you're attending the Virginia Recovery Conference don't miss this one (on the agenda for Tuesday, June 16 | 7:30 PM).

"Recovery is not meant to be easy. Make yourself uncomfortable."-Poster in Harbor Hope Center, a recovery school in Supe...
06/08/2026

"Recovery is not meant to be easy. Make yourself uncomfortable."

-Poster in Harbor Hope Center, a recovery school in Superintendents Region 2 supported by Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority funding and created in partnership with Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach City Public Schools

The OAA Grants Committee will hold an all-virtual information session (public session, no business conducted, no public ...
06/08/2026

The OAA Grants Committee will hold an all-virtual information session (public session, no business conducted, no public comment period) to review recommendations for awards to cities and counties for the 2027 performance period on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. Visit the Commonwealth Calendar for session details here: https://bit.ly/4uW2Bgy

The OAA has posted recommendations for awards to cities and counties for the fiscal year 2027 performance period totalin...
06/05/2026

The OAA has posted recommendations for awards to cities and counties for the fiscal year 2027 performance period totaling over $35 million in opioid settlement funds to support projects across the Commonwealth. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/4x7lFKB.

06/04/2026

“2018. 2019. Danville and Pittsylvania County ranked in the top 10 of all the jurisdictions in Virginia on overdose deaths. I had signed more people off of probation because I had gotten their obituary from dying from an opioid than I had in the last 10 years combined. It was crisis time for sure.” — Judge Stacey Moreau

Enter the Danville-Pittsylvania County Treatment Court.

In Virginia’s 22nd District — serving the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County — Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority funding is helping make recovery not just possible, but sustainable, through the treatment court there.

“Treatment courts work,” Judge Moreau said.

"Commitment and honest are required."-Poster in Harbor Hope Center, a recovery school in Superintendents Region 2 suppor...
06/03/2026

"Commitment and honest are required."

-Poster in Harbor Hope Center, a recovery school in Superintendents Region 2 supported by Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority funding and created in partnership with Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach City Public Schools

“I feel supported.”Sometimes, that’s what success sounds like.And sometimes, it looks like this – a genuine moment betwe...
06/01/2026

“I feel supported.”

Sometimes, that’s what success sounds like.

And sometimes, it looks like this – a genuine moment between Shernae Valentine, Kinship Navigator with Henrico County Department of Social Services, and caregiver April.

Consider this a powerful reminder that the work to support families entrenched in the opioid crisis and to help prevent further substance use disorders is deeply human.

With funding support from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, the Kinship Navigator Program helps caregivers navigate the complex realities of kinship care by connecting them with resources, guidance, and support while they care for children in their homes, whether temporarily or long term.

“A kinship navigator wears many hats, but my primary job is educating families on what services are available to them and connecting them to the support they need to properly care for the children in their care.”

By helping children remain connected to familiar faces, schools, and communities, and not entering the foster care system, kinship care provides something every child deserves: stability, continuity, and a sense of belonging.

“What drew me to this line of work was just my passion for helping people.”

This work is helping families move forward, together.

Have you ever met people who believe so deeply in their work, they wear it on their skin? Forever?We have.The team at th...
05/31/2026

Have you ever met people who believe so deeply in their work, they wear it on their skin? Forever?

We have.

The team at the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center have HEART tattoos — and they're earning them every day.

Short for Helping Each Other Align Recovery Together, the HEART Program is more than Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). It's a fully integrated model combining MAT, psychiatric services, case management, and peer recovery support — built in partnership with the Northwestern Community Service Board (NWCSB) to meet justice-involved individuals where they are.

The Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority is proud to support programs like HEART — and the people with so much heart making it possible for so many to see that recovery is possible.

05/28/2026

"You should feel really proud of yourself. You've done really well." — Judge James Reynolds

When's the last time you heard a judge say that from the bench?

In Virginia's 22nd District, it happens. The Danville-Pittsylvania County Treatment Court isn't just a courtroom — it's a second chance. And thanks to funding from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, recovery here isn't just possible. It's sustainable.

"Any successful completion of the program is an opportunity to restore that person to society and give them the benefits of a full and fair life in the community," Judge Reynolds said. "That's worth whatever time and expense is necessary."

That's what justice can look like.

Address

701 E. Franklin Street , Suite 803
Richmond, VA
23219

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category