Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Union Run Baptist Church is set to host a pivotal community event on Saturday, in partnership with Addiction Recovery Services (ARS), focused on mental health, wellness, and behavioral health issues, particularly surrounding addiction. Executive Director of ARS, Dr. Shea Tinsley, along with Pastor Natalie White, joined WINA Morning News to discuss the initiative. 

“We want to provide resources for folks who want and need that support to come on down to the church,” Dr. Tinsley stated. “Were approaching the holiday season… this is a time that carries a lot of emotional weight for people. And studies show that this is a time where a lot of people who are on the recovery journey relapse.” This initiative aims to offer a welcoming environment for those in need, providing a source of comfort and community throughout the holiday season. 

Pastor White emphasized the church’s holistic approach to wellness, saying, “There are so many people currently suffering quietly with addictions… we believe that the church should do as much as it can to assist individuals in reaching their full potential.”  

The event is free to the public and starts at 10:00 a.m. and runs until 2:00 p.m. It will cover topics like addiction’s impact on the brain and treatment options, and it includes lunch and networking opportunities. 

To learn more, go to https://arshealth.com/  and listen to the full conversation here: