Peer Drop In Center Open In Clifton Forge Ribbon-Cutting Event Set Monday, 11:30 A.M.   Clifton Forge, VA (Dec. 1, 2023) - Alleghany Highlands Community Services (AHCS) has announced the opening of its new Peer Recovery Drop-In Center (PRDC) on Monday, November 6th. AHCS received a grant to fund this center, located at 420 East Ridgeway St. in Clifton Forge. The CSB has partnered with Loving Life Ministries to lease the space until a new site can be built near the agency's Clinic in Covington. Carl and Tammy Wolfe have generously provided the space, and AHCS is grateful for their contribution. The PRDC is a peer-led, non-clinical facility that offers services to individuals with addiction or mental health issues. It provides a safe place for guests to seek help from others who have faced similar challenges in a supportive community. Unlike traditional healthcare settings, individuals visiting are referred to as "guests" instead of patients or clients. Evidence shows that peer recovery programming is an extremely important and effective element of the continuum of recovery care,” said, Ingrid Barber, Executive Director of Alleghany Highlands Community Services. “The opening of our temporary peer drop-in center in Clifton Forge demonstrates our commitment to increasing access to care in response to the ever-growing need for recovery services across the catchment area and will allow us to provide more individuals with a safe space to take the next step forward in their recovery.” The center provides whole health education, training programs, self-help programs, job assistance, and social life skills. Referral and access to other resources are also available. The PRDC is fully peer-staffed and is open to guests on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A ribbon cutting will be held on December 4th at 11:30 a.m. in collaboration with the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism to celebrate the new location. For over 40 years, AHCS has been the primary public behavioral healthcare provider in the Alleghany Highlands area, offering services to adults and children with challenges related to mental health, substance use, and developmental disabilities.

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