Horizon Behavioral Health Secures $1.1M Federal Grant for Appomattox County Services

SAMHSA funding will expand substance use treatment, recovery support, and community-based programs

Appomattox, VA – Horizon Behavioral Health has been awarded a $1,125,000 Targeted Capacity Expansion (TCE) Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to expand evidence-based substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery supports in Appomattox County, Virginia. This highly competitive three-year award was one of only 19 grants nationwide selected from an unprecedented number of applicants.

The funding will launch the Appomattox Recovery Initiative: Expanding Access to Evidence-Based Treatment and Supports, a new program designed to address the county’s growing need for accessible and comprehensive behavioral health services. The initiative will focus on expanding treatment options and recovery support for individuals involved in the criminal justice system who have a substance use disorder and transitional-age youth (late teens to mid-20s) living with a substance use disorder.

Through collaboration with the Appomattox County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Horizon identified a need for key recovery resources such as Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) providers, and recovery courts. Through this grant, Horizon will establish a continuum of care that connects individuals with the treatment and recovery support they need to heal and thrive within their community.

“Appomattox holds a profound place in our nation’s history as a symbol of reconciliation and renewal,” said Dr. Jennifer Smith Ramey, Director of Grants and Programs at Horizon Behavioral Health. “Today, Horizon is proud to help the community write a new chapter of healing — one where access to care, recovery, and second chances are within reach for every resident.”

Horizon is partnering with the Appomattox County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, local probation officers, the Department of Social Services, and other community partners to identify individuals who would benefit from these services. The initiative is expected to serve approximately 55–65 individuals per year, providing a pathway toward recovery that has yielded profound success across neighboring communities such as Bedford County and the City of Lynchburg.

 “This award underscores Horizon’s excellence in clinical care, program design, and community partnership,” said Melissa Lucy, Horizon Chief Executive Officer. “We’re honored that SAMHSA recognized our commitment to building sustainable solutions for our community.”