Autonomous Recovery Community Organizations (ARCO) deliver community based peer to peer Recovery Support Services (RSS) to the citizens of Virginia
Measure is a collaborative effort between Del. Peace and a Hanover Constituent
Central Virginia- According to a 2008 Joint Legislative and Audit Review Commission (JLARC) study, the adverse effects of substance abuse cost State and local governments approximately $613 million in 2006, affecting many State agencies but disproportionately impacting the public safety area. To mitigate these effects, the State and localities spent $102 million providing substance abuse services.
Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) is pleased to announce passage of House Bill 271, a measure to establish the Substance Abuse Recovery Support Services Grant Program to provide grants to recovery support services providers in the Commonwealth will benefit community based, peer to peer substance abuse service providers like The McShin Foundation and The Healing Place in the Richmond Region and citizens across the Commonwealth. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to convene a work group of stakeholders to develop criteria for awarding grants.
The National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS) provides information on mentoring and other peer support services offered at substance abuse treatment facilities. In 2009, 6,325 of 13,513 (47 percent) of surveyed facilities offered mentoring or other peer support services.
Founded in 2004 by Hanover resident John Shinholser, The McShin Foundation is Virginia's leading non-profit, full-service Recovery Community Organization (RCO), committed to serving individuals and families in their fight against Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). While providing the tools for recovering individuals to create positive lifestyles, we aim to spread the word of recovery and educate families, communities, and government regarding SUDs as well as reduce the stigma attached to them.
Mr. Shinholser speaking to the passage of the bill, “The passing of HB271 is a huge victory for the authentic recovery community (those recovering from substance use disorders) throughout Virginia. This bill allows for a reasonable recovery voice and starting point for future improvements in our recovery delivery system. History will show this as the beginning of a new and improved way of helping people. Delegate Peace made this possible and is a true champion of what is good in our political system, as we say in recovery 'it works if you work it.'"
Supporting this method of treatment, the JLARC report goes further to say that “most populations that completed substance abuse treatment imposed lower net costs on the State and localities, and the majority experienced better outcomes. Still, the benefits of substance abuse treatment are not maximized because many Virginians do not seek services, are unable to access them, or do not receive services that are proven effective and best meet their needs. In addition, the majority of offenders do not appear to receive the substance abuse treatment they need despite imposing the greatest costs. To further reduce the costs of drug and alcohol abuse, the State could ensure that existing services are effective, and then consider expanding the availability of substance abuse services.”
For more information about the mission and services provided by The McShin Foundation visit their website at: http://mcshinfoundation.org/
Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his fourth term representing the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates. The District includes parts of Hanover, King William, and all of New Kent County.
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