WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to pass U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger’s legislation that would provide $1 million to build a 24-hour center to provide same-day inpatient detox services in Henrico County.

The funding for Henrico County — which Spanberger successfully secured as part of a House-passed fiscal year (FY) 2022 appropriations package — would be used to address a critical gap that exists in the continuum of substance abuse treatment services available in the county.

“To support members of our communities who are struggling with addiction, we must make recovery services more accessible. This project would work to fill a problematic gap that exists in the substance abuse treatment resources available to our neighbors who are fighting to escape the firm grasp of addiction,” said Spanberger. “I am proud to have worked directly with community leaders in Henrico County to secure this funding, and I thank each of them for their compassionate support for those who are struggling with addiction and their commitment to opening avenues to long-term recovery. Since coming to Congress, one of my top priorities has been to bring federal resources home to Central Virginia. I am encouraged that these one-million dollars were passed today in the U.S. House, and I will keep working to get this funding through the U.S. Senate and to President Biden’s desk to become law.”

“Henrico County is grateful to Rep. Spanberger for her efforts to secure this additional funding for the Henrico Detox and Recovery Center. The targeted federal funds will be used as part of county efforts to help create a safe space for Henrico residents suffering from the disease of addiction and to help them overcome dependence and begin the process of healing,” said Daniel J. Schmitt, Chairman, Henrico County Board of Supervisors. “It is our sincere hope that this center will serve as a model for treating addiction not only throughout our region but across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Henrico County is thankful for Rep. Spanberger’s support of the county’s efforts and ultimately the members of our community.”

The idea for this center came from the Henrico Recovery Roundtable, which was co-chaired by two members of the Henrico Board of Supervisors and included representatives from local health departments, law enforcement, health care providers, and key civic organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and the NAACP.

The FY2022 appropriations package now goes to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

BACKGROUND

This year, the U.S. House of Representatives implemented a new effort as part of its annual appropriations process, which allowed for specific Community Project Funding requests — like the detox and recovery center. Spanberger worked directly with community leaders in all ten counties of the Seventh District to gather community-focused requests for her submissions. Click here for a full list of her submissions.

The Community Project Funding process was created to ensure that Members of Congress, in concert with the communities they represent, may submit direct applications for federal funding to support locally planned projects as part of the yearly appropriations process. To be eligible, projects must be sponsored by local or state government entities or non-profit organizations and must be projects that would otherwise meet the qualifications to apply for federal grant funding. The purpose of Community Project Funding is to ensure direct, local engagement as part of the federal appropriations process. In line with this goal, funding applications must demonstrate significant local support for the projects. 

Spanberger has consistently worked to secure funding for Central Virginia projects that would create new jobs, make infrastructure improvements, and strengthen the local economy. Recently, she joined a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House in voting to pass the INVEST in America Act, which includes more than $22.7 million in federal resources for Central Virginia transportation and infrastructure projects that Spanberger successfully secured in the legislation.

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