RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The city of Richmond and Henrico, Hanover and Chesterfield counties will celebrate individuals and their recovery efforts at the 2026 Regional Recovery Day in early October. According to a release shared by the city on Monday, Sept. 28, the free celebration will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Monroe Park, located at 620 W. Main Street. Regional Recovery Day was launched in September 2024 to celebrate the hope, strength and resilience of individuals in recovery, city leaders said. The day was also designed to coincide with National Recovery Month, which combats the stigma around substance use and gathers local resources under a unified, regional banner.  The first two events were previously held at the Henrico Sports and Events Center, offering free community resources and training like REVIVE!, overdose prevention and Naloxone distribution, as well as peer support and expert speakers. This year's Regional Recovery Day will feature a diverse network of healthcare providers, clinical networks and public agencies delivering medical care, behavioral therapy and mental health resources, according to a release. “As a public health doctor and now, as Mayor, I have seen the deep impact substance use has on our communities,” said Richmond Mayor Danny Avula in a release. “I am proud to celebrate recovery this weekend and reaffirm our commitment to standing alongside every individual and family on their path toward healing.” According to the release, Hanover leaders emphasized that addressing substance use disorder requires a united front across municipal boundaries. “Recovery support does not stop at city or county lines; it affects communities across the Commonwealth,” said Hanover County Board of Supervisors Chair Sean M. Davis. “Regional Recovery Day combines our resources so everyone knows help and support exist.”  Henrico leaders said that treating substance use disorder as a health condition is critical to breaking down stigma and providing effective care. "As millions of people have learned, substance use disorder is treatable – just like other health conditions," said Henrico Board of Supervisors Chair Roscoe Cooper III in part. "Regional Recovery Day is a perfect opportunity to connect with a community of support and embrace the hope that comes with each new day." During the event, housing assistance programs will offer harm reduction tools, support groups and re-entry guidance. "Through my professional experience as a substance abuse counselor, I’ve seen firsthand how substance use can affect individuals and families, but I’ve also witnessed the strength, resilience, and hope that can come with recovery," said Dr. Mark Miller, chair of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. For more information on Recovery Day, click here. ...read more read less