Horizon Behavioral Health

04/08/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Horizon Behavioral Health Awarded Grant to Support Young Adults with Coordinated Specialty Care

Lynchburg, VA – Horizon Behavioral Health has been awarded $494,678 in state funding through Virginia’s System Transformation Excellence and Performance (STEP-VA) initiative to expand early intervention services for young adults, ages 15–30, who experience symptoms of psychosis for the first time which may include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and changes in behavior, among other symptoms.

Read more: https://conta.cc/4vjRBKz

04/07/2026

✨️ NEW PODCAST ✨️

Ever wonder what truly drives excellence in substance use care? It’s not just care strategies, it’s about the heart and humility behind them.

In the latest episode of The Horizon Line, a panel of experts shared that leading forward in substance use disorder treatment means continuous learning, humility, and genuine human connection.

The most impactful clinicians reflect often, seek feedback, and prioritize both patient care and self-care — because real mastery is a journey, not a destination.

Learn more about leading forward in care, listen now!

Listen Here: https://buff.ly/ucY6RXl

03/30/2026

Celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 🎙️

This month, we emphasize not just awareness, but the active focus on belonging for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Listen in to The Horizon Line to learn more about developmental disabilities, as we discuss ID/DD awareness, inclusion, services, and support systems for clients in our Horizon Homes.

We explore how community and care providers can foster independence and dignity for individuals with developmental disabilities, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and family support. ❤️

Listen now: https://buff.ly/mvcDMMu

03/21/2026

That’s a wrap on !

Take a moment to save the Poison Help line in your phone: 1-800-222-1222. The Poison Help line is fast, free, staffed by experts, and available 24/7, 365 days a year. You never know when you might need it.

03/19/2026

Medicine mistakes happen.

If someone takes the wrong medicine, the wrong dose, or has unexpected side
effects, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222, even if it isn’t an emergency. Poison Help is always fast, free, and confidential.

Save the Poison Help line to your phone so you have it if you need it.

03/18/2026

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a national initiative designed to shed light on an issue that often unfolds behind closed doors. 🎰

According to Mikayla Campbell, Prevention Specialist with Horizon Behavioral Health, understanding the difference between recreational gambling and problem gambling—and recognizing the warning signs—can help individuals and families seek support before the situation escalates.

Read more: https://buff.ly/SYsKwoL


Lynchburg Living

Understanding problem gambling—and where to find help in Central Virginia For many people, gambling is simply another form of entertainment—a lottery ticket ...

03/18/2026

TAKE THE YOUNG ADULT SURVEY ✨️

Are you 18-25 years old? Share your thoughts on substance use and mental health in our community! Results from this survey will be used to support important substance use and other prevention programming efforts across Central Virginia.

In this survey, we ask you questions about alcohol, tobacco/vaping, prescription drug and other drug use, marijuana/cannabis, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, stimulants, mental health, and gambling/gaming. Some questions ask you to reflect on your own use or non-use and others ask for your perceptions of substance use in your community.

This survey is completely anonymous and does not record any personal identifying information.

We very much appreciate your input to guide future programs to support young adults in Central Virginia!

Text "Virginia" to 844-484-7601 to take the survey!

03/18/2026

Last chance to register! 🎟️

There are less than 25 spots left for Horizon's upcoming training - Leading Forward in Substance Use Care: Ethics, Innovation, and Clinical Excellence.

Join us for a day-long training on substance use care and treatment with expert guest speakers: Dr. Sara Bailey, Dr. Michael King, and Dr. Michael McGee.

This training is open to the public and is free to attend. CEUs are also available.

Learn more and register now: https://buff.ly/wtgAfu6

03/17/2026

Kids see gummy medicine like vitamins, melatonin, or cannabis and think “candy!” But they can be dangerous.

Here’s how to help your kids stay safe:

🍬 Store gummies up, away, and out of sight, preferably in a locked box or cabinet.
🍬 Never call gummy medicines “candy”.
🍬 Keep gummies in their original container.

Call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 to get connected to your local poison center. Poison Centers are here for you with confidential, non-judgmental, and free expert advice.

03/15/2026

It’s the first day of National Poison Prevention Week!

When the unexpected happens, Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) is here for you. Poison Centers are open 24/7, 365 days a year for questions and emergencies, with fast, free, confidential, and expert advice!

Join us each day of to learn how your local poison center can help you!

03/11/2026

Please join us in congratulating Debra Jefferson as a recipient of Lynchburg Business magazine’s Legacy Awards! 🎉🎉

🌟Legacy Awards Spotlight🌟

Debra Jefferson is a Lynchburg native. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in special education from Coppin State University and was an educator for 15 years in the Baltimore, MD school system and for two years at Heritage Elementary School. She has been employed at Horizon Behavioral Health for 27 years.

She is a certified substance abuse counselor, National Certified Addiction Counselor, certified prescreener in emergency services, and qualified mental health professional for children and adults. She has been the facilitator of Intensive Outpatient Services, coordinator of Women’s Services, certified in trauma-informed care, and trained as an Applied Su***de Intervention Skills Trainer. She has been the CITAC and CIT coordinator of the Lynchburg/Central Virginia Program since 2012.

Find our list of inspiring seasoned professionals in our Feb/March issue of Lynchburg Business on newsstands or online: https://lynchburgbusinessmag.com/2026-legacy-award-winners/

Photos by: Ashlee Glen Photo