NORA, Va. — Southwest Virginia communities have been hit disproportionately hard by the addiction crisis – something that has only worsened amid an alarming rise in fentanyl and synthetic opioids in the drug supply. Fortunately, more help and resources are on the horizon.
Representatives from Addiction Recovery Care joined the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority during a regional community forum Dec. 13 to announce its plans to open a women’s addiction treatment facility in Virginia.
This means Southwest Virginia is one step closer to having a new, comprehensive recovery center for women.
“Today’s announcement underscores ARC’s commitment to saving lives and helping individuals reach long-term recovery no matter where they are,” said Tim Robinson, founder and CEO of Addiction Recovery Care. “We are excited to bring our Crisis to Career model to a community that will significantly benefit from having access to services that will transform lives and boost regional workforce participation.”
ARC currently operates more than 30 programs in 22 Kentucky counties. Its nationally recognized Crisis to Career model combines treatment with job training to prepare clients for life after recovery.
“Today’s forum and announcement of a women’s facility is a major step toward turning the tide of addiction in Southwest Virginia,” said Dana Cronkhite, Dickenson County director of Economic Development. “We are eager to provide a treatment option for our citizens that provides a holistic approach, to include workforce development training and solutions to allow people an opportunity to re-enter the workforce to earn a living wage and to increase the opportunity of long-term recovery.”
In January 2023, ARC and the Dickenson County IDA announced the development of the Wildwood Recovery Center in Clintwood, Virginia. The 112-bed facility for men will be the first that ARC will operate outside of Kentucky. Construction of the facility is underway and will be completed in early 2024.
The Dec. 13 announcement calls for crews to transform the former Ervinton Elementary School in Nora into a women’s treatment facility. Developers project the facility to open by the end of 2025.