Success Stories

On this special episode of The Horizon Line, we focus on men's mental health, exploring the unique challenges men face and the importance of creating safe spaces for discussion. Special guests, Dr. Keith Anderson, a Certified Public Health Professional, Leroy Wingo, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Bernnell Kindzred, Clinical Coordinator at Horizon, discuss the new Barbershop Talks Initiative, which aims to provide informal yet impactful conversations about mental health among men. They highlight the stigma surrounding mental health, the need for community support, and the significance of vulnerability in addressing emotional well-being. The discussion emphasizes on the importance of checking in on one another and fostering an environment where men feel comfortable sharing their struggles.

In our second episode of The Horizon Line, we have a deep conversation with Dr. Sara Bailey, Counselor Education Program Director at the University of Lynchburg and a counselor at Full Life Counseling and Recovery, PLLC, alongside Jennifer Smith-Ramey, Director of Grants and Programs at Horizon Behavioral Health, about the unique challenges women face regarding substance use disorders. They explore the historical context of women's addiction, the importance of gender-specific treatment, and the role of trauma-informed care. The discussion also highlights the balance between teaching and clinical practice, the ethical considerations in counseling, and the hope for recovery through community support and neuroplasticity.

In our inaugural episode of The Horizon Line, Ryan sits down with Kelli Griffiths, Maternal & Infant Program Manager at Centra, and Shiloh Martin, Project Link Coordinator at Horizon Behavioral Health to explore the unique mental health challenges faced by women, particularly in the context of maternal health. Listen in as we highlight the importance of understanding and supporting women through various stages of motherhood, including the significance of Bereaved Mother's Day, share insights on accessing mental health resources, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the various support services available here in Central Virginia, including ⁠Project Link⁠ and community resources. The conversation concludes with self-care strategies and the importance of setting boundaries.

In this introductory episode, Juliana Frosch, Horizon Medical Director, Debra Jefferson, Central Virginia Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator, and Tanya Dowdy, Horizon Peer Recovery Specialist, give us insight into the world of addiction and recovery. They discuss substance use, same day assessments, understanding addiction, the admissions process and the integration of peers in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment that has transformed the patient experience in recent years. Both expertise and lived experience share a united voice in this episode to establish a foundational understanding of the recovery journey and how treatment is designed to support each unique individual’s needs right where they are.

Matthew Naugle, Horizon Outpatient Therapist, Stephanie Iannuzzi, Peer Recovery Specialist at Horizon, Emily Pendall, an individual in recovery, and Marianne Powell, Horizon Program Manager, highlight the role of the peer in recovery. They elaborate on the benefits of outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment for individuals in recovery. By discussing shared challenges, strategies and tools to maintain recovery, and personal stories, this conversation highlights the strength, companionship, and comradery of the recovery community across generations.

In this episode, Shiloh Martin, Project Link Coordinator, Kelli Griffiths, Centra Maternal and Infant Program Manager, Katelyn Windsor, a Project Link Peer, and Michelle Thompson, a Project Link Client, candidly discuss the experience of pregnant and postpartum moms who struggle with substance use addiction. Together, they highlight a hopeful path forward for moms in recovery as they uncover the benefits of available supports made possible through the Project Link Program for mothers and their families.