Appalachian Center for Hope

08/31/2026

Recovery happens through community.

At this year’s Reviving Hope in Our Backyard, this panel will share what helped make recovery possible and sustainable, and what our communities can do to help more people thrive.

Join Jake Frye, Jennie Bostic, Kaloni Davidson Clark, and Pastor Kayla Keilholtz for a conversation about the power of relationships, opportunity, support, and belonging.

September 17 | Lincoln Theatre | Marion, VA
Free and open to the community. Register here: https://ac4hope.org/2026-reviving-hope-event/

08/27/2026

Thank you to Locus for supporting Reviving Hope in Our Backyard!

One of the things that matters to us about Reviving Hope is keeping the event free and accessible to our community. That is only possible because of organizations who believe in this work and are willing to invest in it.

We are grateful to Locus for helping make this year's event possible!

08/24/2026

We’re excited to announce Anthony E. “Tony” McDowell, Executive Director of the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, as the keynote speaker for this year’s Reviving Hope in Our Backyard!

This year’s theme, Supporting Recovery: It’s the Right Thing to Do. It’s the Smart Thing to Do., challenges us to think about recovery not only in terms of individual lives, but in terms of what it makes possible for families, workplaces, and entire communities.

Tony brings an important statewide perspective to that conversation, and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to Southwest Virginia as we explore how supporting recovery can help build healthier families, a stronger workforce, and more resilient communities.

September 17, 2026 | Lincoln Theatre | Marion, VA

Reviving Hope is free to attend, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors.

Learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reviving-hope-in-our-backyard-tickets-1993542023858

08/20/2026

Overdoses can happen to anyone, not just people who use substances recreationally. A medication mistake, an accidental dose, or a child getting into medicine can quickly become an emergency.

Join us August 31 for Overdose Awareness Day at Wytheville Community College Main Campus and Crossroads!

Come learn how to recognize an overdose and use Naloxone, a medication that can save a life. Free trainings and rescue medication will be offered throughout the day.

We heard WCC may be offering a coffee bar and a community art project! We’ll also be giving away fun freebies and sharing resources.

Bring a friend and learn a lifesaving skill. Awareness is the first step to keeping our community safe.

📍 WCC Main Campus (1000 E Main St, Wytheville, VA) | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 WCC Crossroads (1117 E Stuart Dr, Galax, VA) | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

08/20/2026

Thank you to The Bank of Marion for supporting Reviving Hope in Our Backyard!

One of the things that matters to us about Reviving Hope is keeping the event free and accessible to our community. That is only possible because of organizations who believe in this work and are willing to invest in it.

We are grateful to The Bank of Marion for helping make this year's event possible!

Interested in supporting Reviving Hope? Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more.

08/13/2026

Building stronger communities starts with listening.

We're excited to welcome Rhiannon Streight, Organizational Development Manager at Omni Institute, as a featured speaker at this year's Reviving Hope in Our Backyard event.

Over the past several months, community members and partners across our region have shared their experiences, perspectives, and ideas through surveys, focus groups, and conversations. Now, we're ready to share what we heard. Rhiannon will present Listening First: What Our Community Told Us, highlighting the strengths, gaps, and priorities that emerged from that work and what our community believes is needed to build a stronger, more coordinated recovery-supportive system in Southwest Virginia.

Join us on September 17 to hear what we learned and be part of the conversation about where we go from here. Register today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reviving-hope-in-our-backyard-tickets-1993542023858

08/11/2026

Thank you to the Smyth County News & Messenger for sharing more about the work happening at the Appalachian Center for Hope and what’s ahead.

As the Appalachian Center for Hope begins accepting patient applications and prepares to open its door to provide addiction treatment, those behind the institution aren’t pausing their work to help

08/10/2026

08/07/2026

Our Executive Director, Shauna Tilson, recently joined Beth O'Connor on the Rural Health Voice podcast to discuss ACH's mission, the opening of Marion Lifestyle Recovery at ACH, and the vital role community partnerships play in expanding recovery resources across Southwest Virginia.

Thank you to the Virginia Rural Health Association for the opportunity to share ACH's story and for your continued commitment to advancing rural health across the Commonwealth.

What is needed to support recovery? Shauna Tilson from the Appalachian Center for Hope joined us on the Rural Health Voice Podcast to discuss their plan to address substance use disorders in Southwest Virginia - https://vrha.org/2026/08/07/rhv-161/

08/06/2026

The agenda is here!

Join us on September 17 as leaders from across healthcare, workforce development, business, government, education, and the recovery community come together to explore one important idea: Supporting recovery isn't just the right thing to do. It's one of the smartest investments a community can make.

We hope you'll join us for this important conversation.

View the full agenda and register today: ac4hope.org/agenda/