{"id":2452,"date":"2026-01-15T12:52:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T17:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/mount-rogers\/?page_id=2452"},"modified":"2026-09-28T10:28:55","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T14:28:55","slug":"reviving-appalachia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/mount-rogers\/reviving-appalachia\/","title":{"rendered":"Reviving Appalachia"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\t

The Reviving Appalachia Initiative is our effort to bring comprehensive harm reduction and recovery support to our communities. Guided by our ASPIRE principles, we meet people where they are with practical resources, safer use supplies, recovery support, and spaces that build comfort and connection. Through our work in comprehensive harm reduction and As You Are peer\u2011led support, this initiative offers services that help people stay safe, feel seen, and find what they need in their own time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

ASPIRE<\/h3>\n
\n\t
Within our Reviving Appalachia Initiative all of our work is guided by the ASPIRE principles.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
A: Acceptance<\/b><\/div>\n
Meeting people exactly as they are. Honoring autonomy, dignity, and lived experience.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
S: Support<\/b><\/div>\n
Providing encouragement, connection, and understanding. Nobody moves through recovery alone.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
P: Perseverance<\/b><\/div>\n
Continuing forward even when life is hard. Honoring resilience, grit, and small steps of progress.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
I: Inclusion<\/b><\/div>\n
Welcoming all identities, backgrounds, and recovery paths. Ensuring environments are safe, accessible, and culturally responsive.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
R: Relationship<\/b><\/div>\n
Building meaningful, healing connections with peers, families, and the community. Recovery grows in relationship, not isolation.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
E: Empowerment<\/b><\/div>\n
Helping people recognize their strengths, make choices, and direct their own recovery journey.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Comprehensive Harm Reduction (CHR)<\/h3>\n
\n\t

Comprehensive Harm Reduction (CHR) is an evidence-based public health approach designed to reduce the negative impact of drug use on individuals and their communities. CHR services have been shown to help prevent the spread of HIV, Hepatitis-C, and other communicable diseases, as well as reducing the likelihood of overdose and death. It is intended for those who are unable to, or not ready to cease the use of drugs. For many, CHR is the beginning of their journey towards recovery.<\/p>\n

The MRHD CHR program is located inside of the Smyth County Health Department; however, services are not limited to only Smyth County residents. The program extends services to all residents in the MRHD area, as well as anyone seeking services outside of our geographic range.<\/p>\n

Services include:<\/strong><\/p>\n