News

June 15, 2026

The Free Clinic of Culpeper and the Fauquier Free Clinic have launched peer recovery programs to support individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUD), thanks to a grant from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation.

Both clinics are replicating a proven peer-focused recovery program, The HOPE Initiative, pioneered at the Bradley Free Clinic.  The service connects adults navigating addiction with trained peer recovery specialists and community‑based treatment resources.

This expansion is funded through a $500,000 grant awarded to the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (VAFCC) in 2023. The investment supports the growth of HOPE Initiative programs across Virginia’s free and charitable clinic network.

To deliver the program locally, the clinics are partnering with Encompass Community Supports, the region’s community services board. This collaboration brings together clinical care and community‑based behavioral health services, an innovative approach proven to reach individuals who may otherwise struggle to access support, especially in underserved areas.

The HOPE Initiative leverages Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS), individuals with lived experience in long-term recovery from SUD who are trained to guide others through treatment and recovery. Peer recovery specialists help patients connect to treatment, navigate complex systems, and access holistic healthcare services that support long-term recovery.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, more than 18,200 emergency department visits and 1,500 deaths in 2024 were linked to drug overdoses. Peer recovery programs are proven to improve quality of life, decrease hospitalizations and inpatient days, and reduce the overall cost of services.

“Peer recovery programs work,” said Rufus Phillips, VAFCC CEO. “We’re grateful to the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation for the generous grant that will help bring the HOPE Initiative to more clinics and people. Our clinic members are trusted community partners that can help patients access recovery and brighter futures.”

Peer recovery specialists help patients connect to treatment, navigate complex systems, and access holistic healthcare services that support long‑term recovery.

In addition to Culpeper Free Clinic and Fauquier Free Clinic, the following clinics offer HOPE Initiative models:

• Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke
• Crossroads Medical Mission in Bristol
• Northern Neck–Middlesex Free Health Clinic in Kilmarnock
• Shenandoah Community Health Clinic in Woodstock

HOPE Initiative services are free and available to any adult age 18 or older.  You do not need to be an established patient of the free clinic to speak with a peer.

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About VAFCC

The VAFCC’s mission is to provide essential advocacy, support, and resources to the Commonwealth’s free and charitable clinics, helping to ensure Virginia’s medically underserved have access to quality health care. To learn more about VAFCC, our membership, and who they serve, visit www.VaFreeClinics.org.

For more information about eligibility for Virginia’s free and charitable clinics, including how to access recovery support resources as well as healthcare services, visit www.VaFreeClinics.org.