Rise Above - New River Health District Harm Reduction Services

09/10/2026

08/31/2026

Today is Overdose Awareness Day.

For us at Rise Above, today is about the people we’ve lost and the people who loved them.

It’s about remembering someone for who they were, not reducing their entire life to how they died.

It’s also about the families and friends who carry that loss every day. Grief from an overdose can come with a lot of things other grief doesn’t. Stigma, judgment, questions and sometimes even shame that never belonged there in the first place.

So today we remember without any of that.

We say their names. We tell their stories. We remember the whole person.

And to every family member, friend or loved one missing someone today, Rise Above remembers with you. 💜

08/28/2026

08/26/2026

For Community Health Worker Awareness Week, we are highlighting the different CHWs at New River Health District and the amazing work they do. Chris, the coordinator for our Rise Above program, answered some questions about his work:

What do you do as a community health worker?
"I coordinate Rise Above, our health district’s harm reduction services. My job is really about reducing barriers between people and the healthcare and resources they need. That includes harm reduction, overdose prevention, naloxone access, infectious disease testing and treatment, peer support, and connecting people with other services. A big part of the work is building trust with people who may not have always had good experiences with traditional systems."

How did you become involved in community health work?
"I came into this work through lived experience and peer support. I started as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and spent years working directly with people impacted by substance use, incarceration, homelessness, and other barriers to care. Over time, that work naturally led me into harm reduction and public health. I saw firsthand that you can’t improve someone’s health without understanding the circumstances they’re living in and meeting them where they actually are."

Why are you celebrating National Community Health Workers this week?
"I’m celebrating community health workers because they help close the gap between systems and the people those systems are supposed to serve. CHWs bring trust, lived experience, local knowledge, and relationships into public health. Sometimes the most important thing we can do isn’t create another resource. It’s make sure people can actually access the resources that already exist and feel respected when they do."

08/26/2026

August 24th through 28th marks National Community Health Worker Awareness Week!

We are so excited to highlight some of our amazing community health workers over the next few days. First, we are highlighting Rebecca, who works on the Rise Above team providing case management services to Rise Above program participants.

Her amazing work helps people get access to important healthcare and other community resources. Thank you, Rebecca!

08/18/2026

Rise Above is excited to partner with River & Ridge Peer Center to expand access to peer support in Giles County. Beginning next Tuesday, August 18, Rebecca Akers, R-CPRS, will be at the center each Tuesday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM for Creative Recovery. Rebecca will be available to offer peer support, answer questions about Rise Above services, provide program information and swag, and connect with anyone looking for support in a welcoming environment.

Please note that harm reduction supplies will not be distributed at River & Ridge Peer Center during these visits. Rebecca’s role is to provide peer support, education, and connections to services.

We look forward to working together to strengthen recovery support and community connections in Giles County 🧡

08/18/2026

Once again Pulaski County Emergency Management has made sure that we have more than enough water to go around. Thank you for dropping off another delivery to us at Pulaski Library!

08/12/2026

Our compassionate, judgment-free team provides personalized care for individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders, including:
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Group and individual counseling
• Peer recovery support
• Care coordination and connection to community resources
Whether you're taking the first step or returning to treatment, we're here to help you build a healthier future. Visit https://chcnrv.org/obat/ to learn more.