HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Delegate Chris Runion, Delegate Tony Wilt, and Senator Mark Obenshain announced that the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA) has awarded funding for projects in the region to combat the ongoing opioid crisis. These grants are part of a broader $33 million investment across the Commonwealth supporting prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives.

Awarded through a competitive process, the funding supports both ongoing programs and new efforts to address substance use disorder. In the Shenandoah Valley, the following local initiatives were selected for support:

Rockingham County

  • RHADTC Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment Support – Expanding treatment and recovery resources through the Rockingham-Harrisonburg Drug Treatment Court.
  • Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Assessment Center – Providing rapid access to mental health and substance use evaluations.
  • Crisis Co-Response Unit – A collaborative law enforcement and behavioral health team responding to individuals in crisis.

Harrisonburg

  • Harrisonburg PEER Recovery Center – Offering peer-led recovery support services, community education, and pathways to long-term sobriety.

Augusta County

  • Regional Prevention, Education, and Harm Reduction Services – Targeted outreach to reduce overdoses, promote awareness, and distribute life-saving resources such as naloxone.

The three legislators say these community-based programs align with broader statewide efforts that include regional collaboration, improved public safety response, expanded access to treatment, and increased public health coordination.

“We are incredibly grateful for the Opioid Abatement Authority’s continued support of our region,” said Delegate Chris Runion. “These resources will strengthen local efforts to save lives, support families, and rebuild communities affected by opioid addiction.”

Delegate Tony Wilt added, “Our region’s health providers, law enforcement, and recovery organizations work tirelessly to serve individuals and families. These funds will directly empower their efforts.”

“Addiction continues to devastate too many families across the Shenandoah Valley and beyond,” said Senator Mark Obenshain. “This funding will bolster our ability to provide treatment and intervention services that offer real hope and healing.”

By the April 1, 2025 deadline, the OAA received 118 applications requesting nearly $34 million in funding. Of those, 41 were renewals of previously funded programs, and 40 were new proposals—including seven under the newly introduced Operation STOP! initiative, which targets overdose prevention and public safety response. Ultimately, the OAA recommended $33.1 million in awards, reflecting both the urgent need and the high caliber of applications submitted.

The legislators reiterated their commitment to securing the resources necessary for communities across the Shenandoah Valley to fight opioid addiction and build lasting recovery infrastructure.

For more information on the Opioid Abatement Authority and its grant programs, visit www.commonwealthoaa.virginia.gov.