HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Henrico County is receiving $1.7 million from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority to expand addiction prevention and treatment resources. This funding will support over a dozen different projects, including a fully staffed mobile treatment truck, free supplies of N arcan and more treatment options for first responders. “It’s difficult for a lot of people to get the facilities that offer those services," said Amy Handley, the Executive Director at Avenues Recovery Center. "So being able to come into the community, locate those folks and help them stay on their treatment, I think, is a big step forward for the community.” Although overdose rates in Richmond and Henrico are going down according to the Virginia Department of Health, Handley said that doesn't mean the fight is over. “The risk hits people all walks of life. There is not a zip code or a type of person or a type of profession that is impacted. So you never know where you might be, where somebody might be in need of what is really life-saving treatment," Handley said. She said asking for help is a challenge for many people facing addiction, but hopes that with this additional funding, more people will know how to access services and education support. "Pick up that phone. There is a person on the other side of it. At least at our call center, a lot of our folks answering the phone have been through this. They're on the other side of it. There will be no judgment," Handley explained. "We just need to continue putting funding toward research into the programs and treatment options that we know work for a lot of folks." The over a dozen initiatives are supported by the Empower Henrico Task Force. “Whether it’s your first time seeking treatment or your 20th, you still can rebuild an amazing life. If you survived active addiction, you can survive an amazing life in recovery," Handley said. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, you can find treatment options here. ...read more read less