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The Hidden Addiction: Problem Gambling

Dates:

Thursday, January 15, 2026
Thursday, March 12, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Location: Virtual

Hosted by Horizon Behavioral Health

Did you know that over 7.5 million Americans struggle with a gambling problem, including 400,000 Virginians? As gaming & gambling become more pervasive in our community, it’s important that we learn the hidden risks of this addiction and its connection to substance use, suicide, poverty, and more.

Join Horizon Behavioral Health for a free, 1-hour virtual training as we learn to recognize, respond, and support those struggling with gambling disorder in our community.

For more information, contact Mikayla Campbell by email at mikayla.campbell@horizonbh.org.

*15-point social work activity.

REVIVE! Training

Dates:

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.or 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Hosted by Horizon Behavioral Health

For the first time in a decade, we are witnessing a significant decline in overdose deaths, largely due to the increased accessibility of Naloxone and Naloxone training programs. In fact, data from the Centers for Disease Control shows that Virginia has led the nation in year-over-year percentage declines in drug overdose deaths. Between April 2024 and April 2025, the state reported a decrease from 2,171 to 1,211 deaths—a remarkable 44.22% reduction, the largest observed in the United States!

This progress highlights the critical importance of equipping ourselves with the knowledge and skills to save lives. Join our efforts by participating in the free REVIVE! training program. This course will provide you with essential training on how to effectively administer Naloxone and respond to an opioid overdose. By becoming a part of this initiative, you will not only enhance your ability to act in an opioid emergency, but you will also contribute to a broader movement aimed at preventing overdose deaths in our community. Together, we can build a safer, healthier Central Virginia!

Next-Day Narcan Pickup
8:30-9:30 a.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Horizon Behavioral Health
2235 Landover Place, Lynchburg, VA 24501

For more information, contact Horizon Behavioral Health by email at prevention@horizonbh.org.

*15-point social work activity.

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Dates:

Friday, January 23, 2026
Friday, March 13, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Location: Horizon Wellness Center at Landover, 2235 Landover Place, Lynchburg, VA

Hosted by Horizon Behavioral Health & CVARR

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur before the age of 18. According to the CDC, about 64% of adults in the US have experienced at least one ACE, while 17.3% have experienced four or more. Higher ACE scores are linked to increased risks for injuries, chronic health problems, mental illness, substance use disorders, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships.

However, ACEs can be prevented. By changing the way we think about childhood trauma and understanding the risk and protective factors of ACEs, we can decrease their occurrence and foster resilience against their impacts.

Join us for a free training about what ACEs are, how they impact individual health and community wellbeing, and how we can begin the collective work of defending against them and building the resilience to overcome these experiences.

For more information, contact Horizon Behavioral Health by email at prevention@horizonbh.org.

*15-point social work activity.

Point-in-Time (PIT) Count

Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026

Location: City of Lynchburg and surrounding counties

Hosted by Central VA Continuum of Care (CoC)

The Central VA Continuum of Care (CoC) is preparing for the upcoming Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, scheduled for Thursday, January 29, 2026. The PIT Count is a literal, unduplicated count/census of individuals experiencing homelessness in our community on a single night. This includes people staying in emergency shelters and domestic violence shelters, as well as those experiencing unsheltered homelessness in a place not meant for human habitation (e.g., outside, in vehicles, abandoned buildings, train stations, parks, etc.) across the City of Lynchburg and Counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell. The PIT Count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is conducted nationwide during the last 10 days of January.

As part of this effort, trained volunteers will conduct brief surveys with households experiencing homelessness to help provide a snapshot of homelessness in our region and to better understand what types of resources are most needed. Volunteer surveyors must be at least 18-years-old and are required to attend one of the following training sessions:

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Centra Pearson Regional Cancer Center (1701 Thomson Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501)
Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at United Way of Central Virginia (1010 Miller Park Square, Lynchburg, VA 24501)
Monday, January 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at United Way of Central Virginia (1010 Miller Park Square, Lynchburg, VA 24501)

To volunteer, email jessica@miriamshouse.org or sign up here: https://bit.ly/3KtxOp8?r=qr

For more information, contact Olyvia Brown-Coles by email at olyvia@miriamshouse.org.

*15-point social work activity.

Called to Care: A Social Work Community Night

Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Location: Demoss 4326

Join the Social Work Club for a back-to-school community and self-care night. Attendees will partner off at several stations to practice fellowship and learn about self-care and community in the field of social work.

*15-point social work activity.

Night to Shine Lynchburg

Date: Friday, February 13, 2026

Time: 4:30-9:30 p.m.

Location: Waymaker Church, 1650 Hooper Rd, Forest, VA 24551

Hosted by Bedrock Church Lynchburg and Waymaker Church in Forest

Night to Shine is a complimentary event to celebrate those living with disabilities, ages 14 and older. Our special guests will be treated to a red carpet entrance complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi, hair and makeup stations, shoeshines, limousine rides, karaoke, video game stations, gifts, a catered dinner, a sensory room, dancing, and a crowning ceremony where every guest is honored as a king or a queen – just the way God sees them each and every day! We are seeking “Buddies” who can accompany our guests throughout the evening.

For more information, contact Heather Stilwell by email at ntslynchburg@gmail.com.

*15-point social work activity.

Popcorn and Practice

Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Time: 6:00-8:30 p.m.

Location: Demoss 4326

Join the Social Work Club to watch a movie, with Professor Lagos leading us through related discussion questions and scenarios. It will be a time of self-care and practice using our skills. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

*15-point social work activity.

Coldest Night of the Year

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026

Time: 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Location: Miriam’s House Lynchburg, 409 Magnolia St, Lynchburg, VA 24503

Hosted by Miriam’s House

The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is a winterrific family-friendly walk to raise funds to support vulnerable families and individuals experiencing homelessness. The Social Work Club will attend this volunteer event as a group to help Miriam’s House raise funds. This is an opportunity not only to raise funds but also increase the community’s awareness of homelessness and the solutions offered through Miriam’s House.

To volunteer:

Step 1: Go to the CNOY website: www.cnoy.com/volunteer.
Step 2: Scroll down to choose your location as “Lynchburg – Miriam’s House.”
Step 3: Select “Wherever I’m Needed.”
Step 4: Feel great about doing a BIG part to end homelessness in Lynchburg!

*15-point social work activity.

Freedom Within Reach: The Reality of Human Trafficking

Date: Monday, March 2, 2026

Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Location: DeMoss 1134

Hosted by the SOWK 582 Class

This panel-style discussion is about learning what human trafficking is and what it looks like by hearing a personal testimony from a survivor. Students will learn about what they can do to prevent trafficking and how our faith can play a role when helping survivors of trafficking from Dr. Fulmer.

*15-point social work activity.

Ready to Respond

Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Location: DeMoss 2210 (Grand Lobby)

Hosted by the Social Work Club

Join the Social Work Club for a self-defense class hosted by Warrior Success Academy to go over safety and basic self-defense skills to keep you safe. Snacks and drinks will be provided!

*15-point social work activity.

Saddle Up for Better Wellness: Community Health Expo

Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Location: Jubilee Family Development Center, 1512 Florida Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24501

Hosted by CHAP, Centra, Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation, Horizon Behavioral Health, and VA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Join us for a three-in-one event that will host three community health summits in one day: the Taking the Lead Youth Summit, the Black Health Summit, and the Mental Health Summit! There will be health screenings, music, food, giveaways, vendors, and the opportunity to hear from various medical professionals who can address your health concerns.

Keynote speakers include Dr. Michael I. Elliott, Senior Vice President & CEO of VCU Health Systems, and Kimberly Jackson, CEO of United Community Solutions.

This event is FREE and open to everyone! You don’t want to miss it! Youth Summit breakout session topics will be announced soon! Middle school and high school-aged youth are invited to attend, and registration is FREE. Plus, attendees will enjoy FREE breakfast and lunch, door prizes, and the chance to win many raffle prizes!

For more information, contact CHAP by phone at (434) 944-1373.

*15-point social work activity.

Modern Day Betting: Accessibility, Risk, and the Cycle of Gambling Harm

Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026

Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Location: Virtual (Zoom)

Hosted by Horizon Behavioral Health

Within the past few years, the gambling landscape, in both the Commonwealth of Virginia and the country, has rapidly and drastically changed. While gambling has always been present in the form of lottery tickets, bingo, and distant casinos, nowadays skill games are right down the street, sports betting apps are in the palm of your hand, loot boxes are in your kid’s video games, and online casinos are just a click away. More than 7 million Americans struggle with some form of problem gambling, including over 400,000 Virginians. In 2024, over 3,800 calls to Virginia’s problem gambling helpline came from Central Virginia, a 258.5% increase from 2023. Two of the most common forms of gambling for callers? Online gambling and sports betting.

As this issue continues to grow in our community, it’s vital that we learn not only the signs of someone struggling with problem gambling, but also about the cycle of harm it perpetuates in connection to mental health, suicide, substance use, poverty, legal involvement, and more.

This March 19th, in observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, we invite you to join Horizon Behavioral Health for our virtual event, Modern Day Betting: Accessibility, Risk, and the Cycle of Gambling Harm, as we explore issues of increasing availability, ease of access, and potential gambling-related harms, featuring experts in the field, Daniel Trolaro and Dorothy Chaney.

Daniel Trolaro has a Master of Science in Psychology and currently serves in the role of Managing Director of Education and Responsible Play with IC360, a global compliance platform specializing in integrity and regulatory technology solutions for sports betting and iGaming. Dan has worked with stakeholders in over 37 states and has delivered hundreds of workshops, trainings, and keynote presentations centered on prevention, education, and emerging trends in the world of sports betting, gaming, and internet gambling. Dan previously served as the Vice President of Prevention at EPIC Global Solutions and the Assistant Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. He has been in recovery from gambling addiction since February 11, 2010.

Dan will share with participants emerging forms of betting, highlighting the increasing rates of availability and access, and utilizing his lived experience with gambling disorder to demonstrate the potential for harm and need for awareness and intervention.

Dorothy Chaney has a Master of Education and is the Founder of Impact Community Planning Group and the Collaboration Laboratory (The ColLab). Dorothy is a Master Trainer with Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), working to strengthen community coalitions addressing emerging public health issues, including problem gambling. She has supported problem gambling efforts in multiple states, working with organizations and community partners to integrate prevention, equity, and community voice into effective strategies.

Dorothy will explore the varying signs & symptoms of problem gambling across the lifespan as well as individual and community risk factors that are often reinforced by the negative outcomes of problem gambling.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/modern-day-betting-accessibility-risk-and-the-cycle-of-gambling-harm-tickets-1981860011645?aff=oddtdtcreator

For more information, contact Mikayla Campbell by email at mikayla.campbell@horizonbh.org.

*15-point social work activity.

State of Collaboration: Unlocking the Mystery of Emerging Substances

Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Time: 8:30-11:00 a.m.

Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 4025 Wards Rd, Lynchburg, VA

Hosted by Central Virginia Addiction & Recovery Resources (CVARR)

Join us for our annual celebration of CVARR’s work and a look ahead to 2026, featuring an expert-led panel from the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, Virginia Department of Agriculture, and VCU’s Department of Forensic Science focused on unlocking critical information about emerging over-the-counter substances (including vapes, Delta-8, THC-O, Kratom, and other cannabis-derived products), access, and community health impact.

This critical panel will unlock accurate, timely information about emerging substances, shifting access and regulation, and the real consequences for community health—particularly for youth and families. Understanding what these substances are, how they are regulated and accessed, and how they are showing up in our communities is essential for effective prevention, education, treatment, and recovery efforts. This conversation brings together regulatory, scientific, and community perspectives to support informed, collaborative action.

Seating is limited to 100 attendees. A breakfast buffet will be served.

For more information, contact CVARR by email at cvarresources@gmail.com or by phone at (434) 841-4253.

*15-point social work activity.

Foundations of Care

Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Location: Demoss 4326

Join the Social Work Club to hear from Hayley Rosario (Five18 Family Services) on topics such as trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and regulation skills, and how to apply them in the field.

*15-point social work activity.

Stronger Together: Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Caregiver Conference

Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Location: Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church

Hosted by Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church

Join us in person for Stronger Together, a special gathering created for foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Experience powerful teaching and encouragement from our main speakers, Mike and Kristen Berry, authors of Securely Attached, along with meaningful breakout sessions led by Courtney Elhardt, MS, MA, LPC.

This conference is all about sharing stories, learning together, and supporting one another along the journey. You’ll meet others who truly understand, attend practical and encouraging workshops, and leave feeling empowered, equipped, and inspired. Don’t miss this opportunity to build community and strengthen your family bonds.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stronger-together-foster-adoptive-and-kinship-caregiver-conference-tickets-1979525683607?aff=oddtdtcreator

For more information, contact Professor Cox.

*15-point social work activity.

Play With Purpose

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Location: Demoss 4326

Join the Social Work Club as licensed play therapist Rachel O’Neal teaches a crash course on play therapy. We will be led on how to properly apply play therapy in different scenarios in the social work profession. Snacks and drinks will be provided!

*15-point social work activity.