Stand up for policies that protect access to recovery services and save lives.
Recovery Advocacy Day at the Virginia General Assembly was canceled due to weather. While we’re disappointed we couldn’t gather in person, advocacy for recovery doesn’t stop here.
Right now, Virginia legislators are making decisions that will directly impact access to recovery services for thousands of people across the Commonwealth. With ongoing changes to federal and state funding, your voice has never been more important.
The good news? You can still make a powerful difference.
Why Recovery Advocacy Matters
The policies being decided at the Virginia General Assembly determine whether people in recovery have access to:
- Safe, supportive housing
- Peer recovery support services
- Evidence-based clinical treatment
- The resources needed to rebuild their lives
When you speak up, you’re protecting pathways to lasting recovery for everyone in Virginia.
Bills That Need Your Support
HOUSE BILL 1303 & SENATE BILL 360: Medicaid Coverage for Peer Recovery Specialists
What it does: Ensures Medicaid covers peer recovery support services, making this evidence-based care accessible to more Virginians.
Why it matters: Peer recovery specialists provide proven, effective support that strengthens recovery and reduces relapse. Many people can’t afford these services without insurance coverage. This bill removes financial barriers and expands access to care that saves lives.
Your message to legislators: “Peer support is evidence-based care that works. Medicaid coverage will help more Virginians access the support they need to thrive in recovery.”
HOUSE BILL 1597: Recovery Housing Standards and Accountability
What it does: Establishes clear standards and protections for recovery housing residents across Virginia.
Why it matters: Safe, structured recovery housing is essential infrastructure for long-term recovery. Clear standards protect residents, strengthen outcomes, and reduce recidivism. Quality housing helps people successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Your message to legislators: “Recovery housing saves lives and reduces recidivism. Standards ensure residents are safe and supported as they rebuild their lives.”
HOUSE BILL 1846 & SENATE BILL 768: Overdose Fatality Review Teams
What it does: Creates teams to review overdose deaths and identify prevention opportunities.
Why it matters: Data-driven approaches save lives. These review teams help communities understand what’s happening, identify gaps in services, and implement strategies that prevent future deaths.
Your message to legislators: “We need data-driven solutions to the overdose crisis. Fatality review teams help us identify what’s working and where we need to do better.”
Bills to Oppose
HOUSE BILL 1457 & SENATE BILL 299: Mandatory Minimum Sentences
What it does: Imposes mandatory minimum sentences for certain drug-related offenses.
Why it’s harmful: Mandatory minimums undermine recovery-focused approaches. Substance use disorder is a health condition, not a crime. Incarceration without treatment does not address the underlying issue and increases recidivism. Treatment and support are far more effective than punishment.
Your message to legislators: “Substance use disorder requires treatment, not incarceration. Recovery-focused approaches are more effective and help people rebuild their lives.”
Key Talking Points for Advocacy
When you contact legislators or testify, use these messages:
Recovery Housing Is Essential
- Safe, structured housing supports long-term recovery
- Recovery housing reduces recidivism and supports successful reintegration
- Clear standards protect residents and strengthen outcomes
Peer Support Is Proven Care
- Peer recovery specialists provide evidence-based, effective support
- Medicaid coverage removes financial barriers to lifesaving care
- Peer support strengthens recovery and reduces relapse rates
Data Saves Lives
- Overdose fatality review teams identify prevention strategies
- Evidence-based policy leads to better outcomes
- Communities deserve to know what’s working
Choose Recovery Over Incarceration
- Substance use disorder is a health condition requiring treatment
- Recovery-focused approaches are more effective than punishment
- Treatment reduces recidivism and helps people rebuild lives
How to Take Action
1. Find Your Legislators
You need to know who represents you. Visit https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/ and enter your address to find your Delegate and Senator, along with their contact information.
2. Contact Your Legislators
Legislators want to hear from their constituents. You can:
- Call or email to share your support or concerns about specific bills
- Request a meeting (virtual or in-person) with their office
- Share your story about why recovery matters to you personally
Your lived experience is powerful. You don’t need to be an expert.
3. Testify on Bills
Public testimony is another way to make your voice heard:
- Sign up to testify during committee hearings (in person or virtually)
- Submit written testimony if you can’t attend live
- Find committee schedules and sign-up details at https://lis.virginia.gov/schedule
4. Stay Informed
Follow bills as they move through committees and floor votes. Visit www.saara.org/advocacy for updates on recovery legislation throughout the session.
Why Your Voice Matters
When you contact legislators, you’re not just sharing an opinion. You’re:
- Educating decision-makers about real challenges facing people in recovery
- Protecting access to services that save lives
- Standing up for policies rooted in evidence and compassion
- Helping build a Virginia where recovery is accessible to everyone
Your story matters. Your experience matters. Your voice matters.
Questions or Need Support?
We’re here to help. If you have questions about advocacy, need talking points, or want to discuss how to share your story effectively, reach out to us.
Journey House Foundation
Email: info@journeyhouserecovery.org
Phone: (877) 484-5769
Website: journeyhouserecovery.org
Together, we can protect and expand pathways to lasting recovery across Virginia.
Ready to take action? Start by finding your legislators today: https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/