Social Work Calendar
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.
Register here: https://forms.gle/Vkmpp8fqbaHAHre8A
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
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPzquLBF3FtGyes7-o1qjNie7JMJG9WakYUxXZvzYpugr4mA/viewform
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.
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfq5A7NTap1LSLrkyQ-K9XXjiFm-BUjYkQ4YIUPsZ872REkUg/viewform
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 PM-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.
Coldest Night of the Year
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM-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 to not only 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.
Foundations of Care
Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.-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.
Play With Purpose
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.-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.