At Savida Health, we believe in the power of second chances. We know that recovery from addiction is not just a personal victory—it can become a foundation for helping others. People who have overcome substance use disorders often have the empathy and experience needed to support others on their recovery journey. Yet, in Virginia, an outdated legal framework—the barrier crimes law—prevents these individuals from contributing where they are needed most.
For years, Jason Pritchard, Director of Outreach for SaVida Health, has spoken out against Virginia’s barrier crimes laws because they have blocked people with drug-related convictions from working in specific healthcare roles, even after years of successful recovery and credentialed experience. At Savida Health, we see this law as a needless and outdated obstacle, particularly in addiction treatment, where lived experience can make all the difference.
Read the full article on Cardinal News for more insights on how Virginia’s outdated barrier crimes law impacts addiction recovery.
A System That Fails to Forgive
The purpose of recovery is not just to heal; it’s to rebuild one’s life and contribute positively to society. However, under current Virginia law, individuals with past convictions often find that their recovery journey is met with barriers that prevent full participation in the workforce, particularly in roles where they could help others with similar struggles. This is especially disheartening in the case of peer recovery specialists—individuals who have used their personal experiences to counsel and guide those who are currently battling addiction.
Imagine the impact of someone who has walked the path of addiction and found their way to recovery—who has gained certifications and credentials to become a peer recovery specialist—being told they cannot work in state facilities simply because of a crime they committed long ago. It is unfair and deprives the recovery community of one of its most valuable assets: people who have been there and can offer genuine support.
In his Cardinal News article, Jason Pritchard, Outreach Manager for Tennessee and Southern Virginia at Savida Health, shares his personal story of recovery and call for change.
Savida Health’s Perspective: Why Lived Experience Matters
At Savida Health, we’ve seen firsthand how peer recovery specialists can transform the lives of those struggling with substance use disorders. Many of our employees have used their struggles to inspire hope and serve as role models for our patients. Their empathy and understanding often resonate with someone just beginning their recovery journey.
However, Virginia’s barrier crimes law blocks many qualified individuals from serving in this capacity within the state’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) facilities. Even if someone has earned certifications like Integrated Forensic Peer Support, CPRS Training, and Ethics Training, they are often disqualified from employment due to past offenses. This is especially troubling for those of us working in addiction recovery, where such experiences are not a hindrance but a unique strength.
Why Reform is Urgently Needed
The Virginia General Assembly is currently considering reforms to this law through SB 626 and HB 1269, which would reduce the number of years individuals with past substance-related convictions must wait before being eligible for positions in state health facilities. These changes represent a crucial shift in recognizing the value of lived experience in recovery services. They also reflect a broader understanding of what it means to truly rehabilitate—acknowledging that people should not be perpetually punished for past mistakes.
For organizations like Savida Health, the changes couldn’t come soon enough. Allowing qualified, certified individuals to step into peer recovery roles would not only benefit those in recovery but also make addiction treatment more effective across the board. Peer recovery specialists have repeatedly proven that they can be the lifeline that individuals in recovery desperately need.
Without these legal reforms, people with the ability and passion to help are kept on the sidelines. For more on these reform efforts, read Jason Pritchard’s take on Cardinal News.
The Path Forward: What We Stand For
At Savida Health, we advocate for a recovery-based model of care that understands relapse, struggle, and growth as part of the healing process. People recovering from substance use disorders should be allowed to participate fully in their communities, including in roles that directly help others struggling with the same issues.
Preventing someone from working in a field where their experience is relevant and invaluable is a loss for all of us—especially those still seeking recovery. We stand firmly behind the proposed legislative changes to Virginia’s barrier crimes law because second chances build stronger communities. We need to create pathways for individuals who have rebuilt their lives to contribute to others in recovery and the greater community.
Breaking the Cycle of Punishment
Virginia’s barrier crimes law is a remnant of an outdated system that perpetuates punishment, even for those who have paid their dues, gone through recovery, and are now ready to help others. It is time for our legal framework to catch up to modern understanding of addiction and recovery. Reforms like SB 626 and HB 1269 would be a step in the right direction, allowing qualified individuals to contribute their lived experience and further strengthen the recovery community.
At Savida Health, we stand with those advocating for change. We believe breaking down barriers benefits everyone involved in the addiction recovery process. Let’s give people in recovery the opportunity to give back, serve, and lead others toward successful, lasting recovery.
Read the full Cardinal News article here to dive deeper into the challenges and reforms surrounding Virginia’s barrier crimes law.