The 2021 West Virginia Days of Hope: A Celebration of Prevention and Recovery, will be held the weekend of September 17 – 19.
The seventh annual West Virginia Day of Hope: A commemoration of Substance Use Prevention, Treatment & Recovery, is sponsored by the West Virginia Council of Churches, the Community Impact Coalition, and prevention organizations across West Virginia. In the past year, COVID has had many unintended consequences. People with substance use disorder have experienced an increase in substance use, relapses, and an increase in opioid overdoses. Many rely on the support of our faith community to guide us to wellness. The WV Day of Hope is an opportunity to help!
The faith community continues to humbly remind us that the most important ingredient for overcoming substance abuse is HOPE. As a result, faith communities are paramount in promoting hope to those struggling with substance use disorder, encouraging young people to embrace a drug-free lifestyle, and by providing additional help and spiritual direction to those in recovery.
Recent events have people asking, “What are my options?” or “How do I find help?” We invite you to assist by participating in the West Virginia Day of Hope during the weekend of September 17 – 19, 2021. It’s a gift that our congregations can offer! Your actions can assist individuals or families that are struggling with drugs or alcohol. Your assistance can empower those in recovery to press on when life gets overwhelming. We are grateful for your response of love, compassion, and commitment!
Sincerely,
2021 West Virginia Day of Hope Organizers
Resources including bulletin inserts and worship litanies can be found on the
West Virginia Council of Churches website: https://wvcc.org/day-of-hope/
Ideas for Day of Hope:
- Call a special meeting to access your community & plan your strategies.
- Provide information/resources to your community.
- Hold training events and presentations.
- Place announcements with prevention tips in local venues.
- Have youth speakers discuss making positive decisions & remaining drug-free.
- Start a Students Against Destructive Decisions Chapter (SADD) or Youth Board.
- Purchase permanent Rx drop boxes and place them in your community.
- Advocate for policy to support prevention efforts.
- Contact local prevention coalitions and volunteer.