Substance use continues to be a serious issue in Virginia, with 22,398 drug overdose emergency department visits and 2,490 overdose deaths recorded in 2022 alone. Recovery Corps, an AmeriCorps program launched in Virginia in 2022, is working to impact those numbers.

As part of Recovery Corps, AmeriCorps members serve as Recovery Navigators and Recovery Project Coordinators to help expand access and supportive services. To help more Virginians achieve a life in recovery, Navigators provide peer support to others working to maintain their recovery. Project Coordinators offer extra capacity for outreach, communications, data collection, workforce development, and more.

“Recovery Corps offers a proven solution and is now the largest peer recovery program in Virginia,” said Joel Morgan, executive director of Recovery Corps in Virginia. “While helping create better outcomes for others, our members are also gaining valuable training and experience – setting them up to be the next generation of recovery professionals in a workforce that needs more support. We are the only program of our kind in Virginia.”

Forty-six individuals began their service in September, serving at recovery nonprofits and public agencies in Chesapeake, Chester, Dublin, Franklin, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Henrico, Lynchburg, Midlothian, Richmond, Rocky Mounty, Ruther Glen, South Boston, Staunton, Warrenton, and Williamsburg. These new members join the 27 who began service back in July. By January 2025, Recovery Corps plans to place over 80 members across the state.

“In just two years, we more than doubled the number of sites we partner with – allowing us to reach even more Virginians in the 2023-24 program year,” said Morgan. “Thanks to valuable partnerships we’ve made with nonprofits and public agencies across the state, Recovery Corps members supported over 1,300 people last year. We are proud to continue participating in this important work in 2024-25.”

Recovery Corps members commit to serve full-time and receive a stipend of about $16 per hour, plus additional money to pay for college tuition or student loans. Those 55 or older may gift their education award to their child, grandchild, stepchild or foster child. Members can also receive free individual health insurance and child care assistance, if eligible, based on family size and income.

Members receive specialized training and guided career development to equip them to serve their communities. Recovery Navigators members also complete the Peer Recovery Specialist certification (CPRS) requirements. To serve with Recovery Corps, members must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma (or equivalent), and be willing to commit to a year of service—applicants in recovery need one year of interrupted recovery. Those interested in this innovative program should apply now to begin service in January. To learn more and apply, please visit RecoveryCorps.US.

About Recovery Corps
Recovery Corps is an evidence-based AmeriCorps program that helps more people achieve a life in recovery. Members are trained to provide peer support or project management and serve in public agencies and recovery nonprofits. The Recovery Corps model was developed in Minnesota and is being replicated nationally. Recovery Corps in Virginia is made possible through Public Health AmeriCorps – an innovative new partnership between the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and AmeriCorps – and local partnerships with state agencies receiving Opioid Abatement funds. For more information, visit RecoveryCorps.US.