A local program that has already supported thousands of individuals battling substance abuse is now set to expand across Virginia. The Bradley Free Clinic’s Hope Initiative, which has made a significant impact in the Roanoke area, is broadening its reach to other cities in the state.

Tranq is the street name for Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer that is now being found laced with other drugs.

Community leaders in Rockbridge County are sharing ways to address mental health and substance abuse among teenagers as part of the goal of the Rockbridge Area Prevention Coalition’s fifth annual Prevention Forum.

The Roanoke Valley Collective Response was awarded awarded $1.4 million and will use the money to develop a peer recovery network for substance abuse.

The organization was awarded $1,991,554 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The goal is to assist 245 people over the next five years.

A Roanoke man hopes his personal experience of witnessing addiction in his family will emphasize a different perspective of what drug abuse looks like to raise awareness for others.

Horizon Behavioral Health in Lynchburg is dedicating more than $670,000 in state funding, to reduce substance abuse for pregnant and postpartum women, as well as mothers with children up to age five.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says additction happens gradually, but it always begins with experimentation.