Social Work Calendar
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Training
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Horizon Wellness Center at Landover, 2235 Landover Place, Lynchburg, VA 24501
Hosted by Horizon Behavioral Health and Central Virginia Addiction & Recovery Resources (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.
Come learn more 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.
Register HERE.
For more information, contact Horizon Behavioral Health at prevention@horizonbh.org.
*15-point social work activity.
4th Annual Ride of Our Lives: Mental Health Awareness Motorcycle Ride & Rally
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. start, 12 p.m. rally
Location:
- Registration at Harley Davidson of Lynchburg, 20452 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502
- Rally at Horizon Wellness Center at Langhorne, 2215 Langhorne Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24501
Hosted by Horizon Behavioral Health
Horizon Behavioral Health is sponsoring the 4th annual benefit ride in honor of Mental Health and Suicide Awareness. Registration for riders will begin at the Harley Davidson of Lynchburg at 9 a.m. The ride begins at 10 a.m. and all riders are encouraged to WEAR GREEN to show their support. Jeeps are also welcome to take part in the ride following our motorcyclists!
Don’t ride? Don’t worry! There will be plenty for you to take part in at the finish line. The rally will take place at the Horizon Wellness Center at Langhorne beginning at 12 p.m. – food, music, speakers, and more will be waiting for riders, their families, and the community!
Donations accepted! All donations benefit suicide prevention and awareness in Central Virginia. Additionally, a free oil change & state inspection ($150 in value) at Harley Davidson of Lynchburg will be raffled.
REGISTER NOW with Eventbrite Registration. The first 50 riders to register will receive a FREE event T-shirt.
For more information, contact Januwaa Davis by email at Januwaa.Davis@HorizonBH.org or by phone at (434) 477-5464.
*15-point social work activity.
Annual Roanoke Mental Health Conference on Trauma-Informed Care and Prevention for Refugee and Immigrant Communities
Date: Monday, September 15, 2025
Time: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Location: Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, 110 Shenandoah Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24016
Hosted by the Department of Behavioral Health Division (DBHDS) and the Office of New Americans with the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS)
The Department of Behavioral Health Division and the Office of New Americans with the Virginia Department of Social Services cordially invite you to join the Annual Roanoke Mental Health Conference on Trauma-Informed Care and Prevention for Refugee and Immigrant Communities, which will be held in-person on September 15, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, 110 Shenandoah Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24016.
This year’s conference will explore a variety of important subjects, including trauma-informed care practices, strategies for improving language access in the mental health field, approaches to preventing human trafficking, and insights into the behavioral health needs of refugee and immigrant communities in Virginia.
This free event welcomes resettlement agencies, non-profit organizations, community-based program staff, school personnel, interpreters, community and faith leaders, service providers, community health workers, and anyone who may be interested in attending. Participants will be receiving a certification of attendance for their participation in the conference.
Let’s come together to share knowledge, experiences, best practices, and resources. Your involvement is key to fostering change in our refugee and immigrant communities!
Thank you for considering this invitation. We look forward to seeing you at the conference.
Register here.
For more information, contact Belinda Pino at belinda.pino.@dbdhs.virginia.gov or Liliana Penalver at liliana.penalver@dss.virginia.gov.
*15-point social work activity.
Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Adults
Dates:
- Adult Training
- Friday, September 19, 2025
- Friday, November 21, 2025
- Youth Training
- Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Horizon Wellness Center at Landover, 2235 Landover Place, Lynchburg, VA 24501
Hosted by Horizon Behavioral Health
Become a three-year certified adult or youth mental health first aider …
Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack — we’d start CPR or call 9-1-1. Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to assist and support others who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. The training will cover topics such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Trauma
- Substance Use
- Eating Disorders
- Psychosis
REGISTER now!
Once registered, you will receive an email from Prevention@HorizonBH.org and will be required to complete less than one hour of pre-work before the training. There is no cost to attend. All training-related expenses are covered by Horizon Behavioral Health.
For more information, contact Horizon Behavioral Health at prevention@horizonbh.org.
*15-point social work activity.
4th Annual Walk for Recovery
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Miller Park, 2100 Park Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24501
Hosted by Central Virginia Addiction Recovery & Resources (CVARR)
Join us for CVARR’s 4th Annual Walk for Recovery: Thursday, September 25, 2025.
In recognition of National Recovery month, we will honor recovery voices, celebrate the journey, and uplift those we hope will one day find recovery. Join us for an honorary walk around Miller Park, uplifting speakers, free resources, a community cookout, music, and fun!
More details to come—let’s walk together in hope and healing.
For more information, visit CVARR’s webpage at www.cvarr.org.
*15-point social work activity.