READY TO SERVE. SETTING THE PACE. GOING THE DISTANCE.
OUR MISSION
Horizon Behavioral Health is the premier provider of mental health, substance use and intellectual disability services in Central Virginia. Horizon's mission is to support and promote the health, independence and self-worth of individuals and families in Central Virginia by providing a continuum of communitybased treatment, prevention, early intervention, and aftercare services for persons affected by mental health, intellectual disabilities, substance use and co-occurring disorders. Our vision is to provide behavioral healthcare services that are accessible, consumercentered, costeffective, and outcome-based.
OUR VALUES
Each individual and family's right to participate in decisions affecting his or her life.
Each individual and family's right to be safe from harm.
Providing timely services in the least-restrictive setting which are accessible, affordable, efficient and adaptable to each individual's need.
Developing and retaining a well-trained and culturally diverse staff.
Evaluating our services regularly as they relate to client and community needs.
Working cooperatively with other agencies and organizations to provide our community with fully integrated services.
On behalf of Horizon’s Board of Directors, I reflect on the past year and celebrate 55 years of admirable service in Central Virginia with great pride. I am proud to acknowledge the meaningful progress and positive change achieved by Horizon Behavioral Health. This year’s achievements are an inspiring testament to the collective efforts of the Horizon team, our partners, and our community.
“Horizon is here to serve you so that you can live confidently and independently in your community, ensure your children are given every opportunity to succeed as they chase their dreams, and help your family overcome obstacles that stand in the way of a safe, healthy, and happy future.”
– Melissa Lucy, Horizon CEO
pregnant and postpartum women engaged in Project Link.
veterans and their families enrolled in treatment.
referrals received for substance exposed infants. of children in a psychiatric emergency seen within 2 hours.
Providing You Providing You
SAME DAY CARE COMMUNITY BASED CRISIS
Governor Glenn Youngkin’s three-year comprehensive plan ‘Right help right now ’ celebrated its two-year anniversary in 2024 highlighting achievements in transforming Virginia’s behavioral health system with it’s six-pillared approach to address behavioral health challenges and strengthen services across the Commonwealth. “Two years ago, we committed to transforming Virginia’s behavioral health system with a bold vision and action plan,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Today, we see the progress: more capacity, better services, and lives changed” (The Virginia Governor’s Office).
OUR COMMITMENT TO TRANSFORMING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE IN CENTRAL VIRGINIA
PILLAR 1: OFFER SAME-DAY CARE FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISES
We must strive to ensure accessible, same-day care, evidence-based assessment, and timely service provision for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.
PILLAR 2: RELIEVE LAW ENFORCEMENT BURDENS & REDUCE CRIMINALIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH
We must support our law enforcement partners through crisis response training, resource provision, and care coordination while reducing the criminalization of behavioral health.
PILLAR 3: EXPAND CAPACITY TO SERVE PEOPLE
We must develop more capacity to serve our communities where they are, pushing past barriers and going beyond hospitals, by expanding the use of communitybased care, increasing access to telehealth, and increasing schoolbased support for students.
MENTAL HEALTH SUBSTANCE USE CARE
‘Right help right now ’ continues to bolster investment in Virginia’s behavioral health system, supporting Community Services Boards like Horizon. We’re addressing the mental health crisis and opioid epidemic by expanding evidencebased treatments, strengthening the workforce, prioritizing prevention, and leveraging resources for lasting impact in Central Virginia. As the initiative approaches its final year, Horizon remains focused on delivering comprehensive, sustainable behavioral health care to ensure every Virginian has access to the right help at the right time.
PILLAR 4: TARGET SUPPORT FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS & OVERDOSE
We must provide targeted support for substance use disorder (SUD) and strategic efforts to prevent overdose through capacity building and community mobilization to create effective community change.
PILLAR 5: STRENGTHEN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE
We must continue to make our behavioral health workforce a priority, by advocating on behalf of the field, investing in employee development, demonstrating employee value, and prioritizing employee health.
PILLAR 6: IDENTIFY INNOVATIONS TO CLOSE CAPACITY GAPS
We must identify and initiate innovations and best practices in care services across the continuum by pursuing bestin-class solutions and leveraging empirically supported treatment options to close capacity gaps.
OUTCOMES
SAME DAY CARE forindividualsexperiencinga
Same Day Assessments Provided 3,189
behavioralhealthcrisis. same day assessments provided.
3,948
100% Emergency services available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
3,175 of children in a psychiatric emergency seen within 2 hours.
Individuals provided primary care services following admission.
At Horizon, our Same Day Access and Emergency/Crisis Services embody our commitment to providing the right help, right now, when individuals need it most. In 2024, we conducted 3,175 same-day assessments, offering individuals immediate access to high-quality behavioral health care. This process includes a comprehensive, evidence-based clinical assessment that involves five key steps, ranging from basic contact and insurance information collection to a thorough mental health and substance use evaluation. We ensure that all clients, regardless of insurance status, receive the care they need, with follow-up appointments and emergency support provided, as necessary.
"We want our clients to feel empowered - not in fear of being arrested or hospitalized. Being a mobile crisis responder is an opportunity to do something that is very meaningful. It is an opportunity to help someone on the worst day of their lives.”
The Recovery Journey is a powerful initiative aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery. By encouraging open conversations among providers, community members, and individuals with lived experience, it fosters a deeper understanding of addiction within our community. It seeks to challenge misconceptions, offer support, and create a safe space for people to share their experiences, from challenges to triumphs.
Through insightful discussions, the podcast plays a crucial role in normalizing the dialogue around recovery and helping individuals feel empowered to seek help and support, by featuring real stories of individuals who have found hope and healing in recovery.
www.recoveryjourneypodcast.com
OUTCOMES
SUPPORTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
3,189
By reducing criminalization of behavioral health.
Same Day Assessments Provided
100%
Bedford Family Treatment Court graduates since program inception. 18
HorizonisproudtopartnerwithlawenforcementtoofferCrisis InterventionServicesandCrisisInterventionTrainingtofirst respondersthroughoutCentralVirginia.Thiscollaborationequips individualswiththeskillsnecessarytoeffectivelyde-escalateand respondtothoseexperiencingamentalhealthcrisis.In2024, Horizontrained108officersandcommunitymembersincrisis intervention. of cases with no reportable injuries to an officer, individual being served, or bystander after Crisis Intervention Team involvement. 97% of Horizon clients served in the jail are screened for eligibility & referred to appropriate services post-discharge.
In this introductory episode, Juliana Frosch, Horizon Medical Director, Debra Jefferson, Central Virginia Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator, and Tanya Dowdy, Horizon Peer Recovery Specialist, give us insight into the world of addiction and recovery. They discuss substance use, same day assessments, understanding addiction, the admissions process and the integration of peers in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment that has transformed the patient experience in recent years.
Both expertise and lived experience share a united voice in this episode to establish a foundational understanding of the recovery journey and how treatment is designed to support each unique individual’s needs right where they are.
BUILDING CAPACITY
by enhancing communitybased services.
Same Day Assessments Provided 3,189 individuals connected to Permanent Supportive Housing.
79 K-12 public schools receiving services on site. 19
Horizon’sGranttoBenefitHomelessIndividuals(GBHI)provides outreach,mentalhealthtreatment,andhousingsupporttohomeless adolescentsandtheirfamilies,reducingbarrierstocareand improvingaccesstoservicesforthosefacinghomelessnessand mentalhealthchallenges. of Assertive Community Treatment services provided in clients homes or the community. 90% Sweet Briar College students utilized Horizon’s walk-in crisis clinic.
"My
ultimate goal as an MST Clinician is to ensure that the families we serve receive the best experience possible in order that they may heal and thrive in complete wholeness. A healed family is a healed community."
Matthew Naugle, Horizon Outpatient Therapist, Stephanie Iannuzzi, Peer Recovery Specialist at Horizon, Emily Pendall, an individual in recovery, and Marianne Powell, Horizon Program Manager, highlight the role of the peer in recovery. They elaborate on the benefits of outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment for individuals in recovery.
By discussing shared challenges, strategies and tools to maintain recovery, and personal stories, this conversation highlights the strength, companionship, and comradery of the recovery community across generations.
www.recoveryjourneypodcast.com
OUTCOMES
SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT
Same Day Assessments Provided 3,189
Offering prevention, early intervention, and recovery support. residents tested for HIV.
individuals trained in opioid overdose response with life-saving naloxone.
755 of Women’s Recovery clients showed improvement at discharge. 92% lbs. of prescription drugs collected in partnership with local law enforcement. 912
“I’m excited to continue to ‘look out’ for the health of our peers. This funding will help us make a change in young lives. We get a chance to show the community that you don’t need to turn to drugs when things get hard."
soften the blows that life is going to throw at you."
- Horizon Client, Project Link Program
EPISODE 3
Hey moms, this one’s for you!
In this episode, Shiloh Martin, Project Link Coordinator, Kelli Griffiths, Centra Maternal and Infant Program Manager, Katelyn Windsor, a Project Link Peer, and Michelle Thompson, a Project Link Client, candidly discuss the experience of pregnant and postpartum moms who struggle with substance use addiction.
Together, they highlight a hopeful path forward for moms in recovery as they uncover the benefits of available supports made possible through the Project Link Program for mothers and their families.
“I have enjoyed helping clients access our services and watching their growth. This is a great place to spend a career, and I'm proud to be working with such a caring organization.”
How to know your self-worth & embrace the uncomfortable
Priscilla Pritchard and Kendall Dolan, recovery advocate and Peer Recovery Specialist, share powerful insights on cultivating a positive mindset through the challenges of the recovery journey. Their stories will inspire you as they reveal how they achieved their own recovery, discovered purpose, and found fulfillment in giving back to their community by supporting others on their path to healing.
www.recoveryjourneypodcast.com
OUTCOMES
PROVIDING INNOVATIVE SERVICES
Same Day Assessments Provided 3,189
With a focus on evidencebased practices.
151 High school students participated in Too Good For Drugs program. 596
The Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) is a behavioral therapy that encourages positive behaviors to replace substance use, focusing on social, recreational familial and vocational reinforcers to ultimately address s mental health issues. In 2024, Horizon partnered with Amherst County Public Schools to offer A-CRA to adolescents (ages 12-25) and their families, enhancing early intervention and recovery support. clients enrolled in Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) since program inception. 113 community members trained in Mental health First Aid.
of youth enrolled in Multisystemic Therapy living at home with no new arrests. 95%
Horizon is dedicated to advancing healthcare innovations that address the socioeconomic factors affecting the mental health of individuals and families. Our programs utilize evidence-based practices, supported by data to ensure effective treatment and client success.
“My experience with IMR was very helpful, not only to my mental health but my wellbeing as well. It gave me tips and tools to use when I feel I'm going to be depressed. It also gave me responsibility to look for stressors and how to deal with them.” – Horizon Client
Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) helps individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to manage mental illness while working toward recovery goals. In fiscal year 2024, Horizon served 119 individuals through this program.
Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an evidence based treatment modality designed to support youth (ages 12-17) who have committed first-time offenses, and their families, with the goal to improve relationships at home, school, and in the community. The benefit of this approach is treating the problem behavior early and within a child’s natural environment. In this unique model of treatment, families are invited to be collaborators in the development of their treatment plan.
Horizon’s Prevention Services works to prevent substance misuse and suicide while promoting mental wellness in Central Virginia. Programs focus on utilizing evidence-based prevention strategies such as training, education, awareness campaigns, resource distribution and data collection. It emphasizes community collaboration to address local needs, with priorities including tobacco, nicotine, over-the-counter drugs, alcohol, marijuana, opiates, and methamphetamines.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based program that teaches individuals how to assist those experiencing a mental health crisis. Research shows the training improves knowledge, boosts confidence in providing help, and reduces stigma.
Too Good for Drugs is an evidence-based program grounded in social-emotional learning (SEL) principles designed to help youth develop skills to resist substance abuse and make healthier choices. In 2024, 98% of students participating in TGFD, reported gaining valuable knowledge on the health risks of substance use, fueling enthusiasm among local youth to continue educating and advocating for a healthier choices among their peers and the larger community.
EPISODE 5
Get plugged in to your community
Join Zachary Burgess and Carl Mack, dedicated Peer Recovery Support Specialists, alongside Horizon Treatment Provider, Rhonda Turner, for an energizing discussion on the resources and opportunities available to support Central Virginians in recovery.
Discover the transformative impact of the Peer Recovery Support Specialist role in various treatment programs like medication-assisted treatment, among other vital programs. Together, they illuminate how we, as a community, can foster understanding, create supportive spaces, and cultivate a culture that uplifts and empowers those on their recovery journey.
www.recoveryjourneypodcast.com
OUTCOMES
HORIZON HOMES
3,189
Same Day Assessments Provided
8
Intermediate Care Homes supported by skilled interdisciplinary care teams.
32
Providing intermediate care for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. individuals served by Horizon’s intermediate care team.
Graduate Regina Hall, joined by Judge F. Watson and Taylor Jones of the Lynchburg Adult Recovery Court, share powerful insights into the transformative five-phase treatment court program.
Through their discussion, they highlight the program's key components and the profound impact it has on participants' lives. Regina’s story shines as an inspiring testament to resilience, determination, and the success that’s possible with the unwavering support of this collaborative initiative in Lynchburg City. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope for others seeking recovery and a fresh start.
www.recoveryjourneypodcast.com
HORIZON’S 55TH ANNIVERSARY
COMMUNITY TRAINING & RECEPTION
An initiative to demonstrate employee value and contribution in the pursuit of our mission.
In celebration of Horizon Behavioral Health’s 55th service anniversary, we hosted a special training event and reception to honor the invaluable contributions of our community partners, supporters, and dedicated teams. This event marked a significant milestone in our organizations history and was offered as a heartfelt thank you to our community for the collaborative efforts that have fueled Horizon’s growth and impact over the years.
Dr. Sara W. Bailey, Ph.D., led the full day of training with an insightful session on ethical decision-making, encouraging a calm, courageous, and collaborative approach to public service. Dr. Stephen Loyd, M.D., delivered a powerful message on the importance of collective efforts to address the challenges in substance use treatment in the U.S., emphasizing the need for unified solutions to solve community-wide problems.
Horizon extends its deepest thanks to all those who attended and supported the event, reinforcing the strength of our community and the shared commitment to advancing public health and wellness. Your presence and support are vital to the ongoing success of Horizon's mission.
“Thank you for your service and for providing this training! It was a great experience!”
“Horizon truly does make a great impact in the community and I'm proud to be a part of this organization.”
“It’s so powerful that Horizon has stayed such a central part of the Central Virginia community and has continued to evolve to address community needs and be authentically supportive.”
“Thank you for providing quality care and transforming lives for the past 55 years.”
“Horizon is the best CSB/BHA in the Commonwealth. I work with them all. Keep up the great work!”
HORIZON’S 55TH ANNIVERSARY
CEO CHALLENGE
An initiative to demonstrate employee value and contribution in the pursuit of our mission.
In commemoration of Horizon's 55th Anniversary, Melissa Lucy hosted a CEO Challenge titled ‘55 Years of Growth’ to engage staff and celebrate this milestone, together, in a meaningful way. The initiative, spanning from March to September 2024, encouraged Horizon employees to submit responses each month to celebrate different aspects of Horizon’s growth and service to the community as well as reflect upon their own unique experiences in the field.
The result of the CEO Challenge was a powerful reflection of years filled with memories, growth, triumphs, and lessons learned. Submissions shared deeply personal stories, revealing the incredible individuals who have shaped our journey and the obstacles that have been overcome along the way. Together, these stories provided a beautiful and inspiring glimpse into the heart and soul of today’s behavioral health workforce highlighting the unwavering commitment, resilience, and compassion that drive meaningful change in our communities. The collective experiences of our staff not only celebrate Horizon’s 55 years of service but also underscore the strength and dedication that define the behavioral health field as a whole.
MARCH Years of Service
“This is a great place to spend a career, and I'm proud to be working with such a caring organization.”
– Horizon Case Manager, 24 Years of Service
APRIL Areas of Growth
“With Horizon, I attended seminars and trainings to get continuing education credits leading to more personal satisfaction in my job, a better work life balance, and a feeling of contentment due to a company that supports and loves it's workers as much as it does it's clients. It feels great to be appreciated and supported in all we do!
– Wesley Phillips III, Outpatient Services
“The growth of Horizon’s medical team speaks to our provider’s commitment to our patients and to Horizon’s commitment to a medical model of care that is required to treat the complex needs of those we serve.”
– Juliana Frosch, Psychiatric Services
MAY Support Systems & Partnerships
“Our Genoa pharmacy partners are a huge blessing to us, our patients, and their families. They help us fill meds that are out of stock at other local pharmacies so our patients don't go without. They offer delivery via mail for meds to help parents that can't get to the pharmacy, and they can even do pill packs for meds to ease confusion. They are at huge asset to us! Thank you Genoa!”
– Crystal Burgess, Nursing Services
“With all of us working together, I feel like there isn't anything we can't accomplish!”
– Horizon Employee, Outpatient Services
JUNE
Acts of Service
“Acts of service surround our Horizon Home all day, every day. We laugh, eat, talk, cry, and even sweat together to make our individuals' day great.”
– Delia Jones, Intermediate Care Services
JULY
Acts of Kindness
“I watched our Hospital Liaison go out of her way to assist a client who had already been discharged after a lengthy state hospital stay. After recognizing their need, she went above and beyond to help this client remain in the community, link to services, and instill hope with her willingness to help in a time of need. ”
– Horizon Employee, Emergency Services
AUGUST Legacies of Loved Ones Lost
“I have lost a friend and a cousin to suicide. They were very dear to my heart and have been part of what has inspired me to pursue a career in the mental health field.”
– Adedamola Onafowokan, Outpatient Services
“Colby was my youngest granddaughter's daddy and the love of my daughter's life. He was seeking treatment, but couldn't resist one last outing with some friends. We will always remember and miss him, especially when we look at his daughter's eyes, that look exactly like his.”
SEPTEMBER
– Krisann Taylor, Talent Management Years of Recovery
RIDE OF OUR LIVES
3ND ANNUAL
MOTORCYCLE RIDE & RALLY OUTCOMES
RIDE OF OUR LIVES
3,189
Eliminating stigma in Central Virginia by bringing awareness to mental health and suicide.
In September, Horizon proudly hosted its 3rd Annual Ride of Our Lives event, bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts and community members across all walks of life to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. The event, kicked off with a thundering roar of motorcycles, symbolized the collective power in prevention as participants rallied for a cause close to all of our hearts. Together, we celebrated the importance of early conversations and open dialogue about mental illness, addiction, and suicide. A special thank you goes to our dedicated community partners—the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Harley Davidson of Lynchburg, the Suicide Prevention Awareness (SPA) Coalition of Central Virginia, New Freedom Farm, and the Christian Motorcycle Association whose unwavering support helped make this event possible. Through their collaboration and the participation of everyone involved, we continue to spread the vital message that there is power in prevention, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by mental illness and suicide.
“Mental health is an issue that must be at the forefront of our thoughts in the veteran community. When we have the opportunity to support organizations like Horizon Behavioral Health, it means the world to us, as it is a way we can help spread the word throughout the community about the services available to anyone in need. We have all felt the pain of losing someone that perhaps could have been helped if only they or a loved one knew there were services available.
We are proud to partner with you and attach the Horizon flag to our motorcycles and parade them around town in a strong show of support for what you do.
– Rex Brust, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association
EPISODE 7
A little prevention goes a long way
Caring adults from Central Virginia—DJ Best, E.C. Glass High School Basketball Coach; Januwaa Davis, Horizon Prevention Manager; Teegan Deuso of CVARR; and Officer Thomas of the Bedford Police Department—come together to prove they share a powerful common goal: preventing substance use addiction and creating a brighter future for our youth.
These passionate advocates share valuable insights on youth substance use, offer tips for tackling tough conversations with kids, and highlight resources and trainings to help adults recognize signs of risky behavior. With actionable strategies and their collective expertise, they embolden us all to step up and make a difference in our community.
www.recoveryjourneypodcast.com
READY TO SERVE. SETTING THE PACE. GOING THE DISTANCE.
Thank you for 55 years of unwavering partnership and support!
