Saving Lives: How The Chris Atwood Foundation Is Fighting the Opioid Crisis

By SHEILA MURPHY

The opioid crisis has gripped Northern Virginia, leaving countless
families devastated and communities searching for solutions.
Amidst the struggle, one organization stands out. The Chris Atwood
Foundation (CAF) provides lifesaving recovery support, harm
reduction services, and essential resources to individuals and
families impacted by substance use. This February, CAF found
an ally in Social4Good (S4G), a local philanthropic organization
committed to mobilizing community support for critical needs. S4G
stepped up to support CAF’s Harm Reduction Program and Basic
Needs Fund.

CHRIS’S STORY: THE HEART BEHIND THE MISSION
CAF was founded in memory of Chris Atwood, a young man who
tragically lost his life to an opioid overdose. His family transformed
their grief into action, creating a nonprofit dedicated to harm
reduction, recovery support, and saving lives. Since its inception,
CAF has distributed statewide almost 125,000 free doses of Narcan,
a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. It has saved 2,681 lives
through overdose reversal kits. Their efforts also extend to providing
recovery housing grants for 2,291 individuals annually and training
133 peer recovery specialists who support individuals on their
recovery journey. Overall, they have assisted 27,000 people across
all their programs.

A LIFELINE FOR THOSE IN NEED
One of CAF’s most impactful initiatives is its Harm Reduction
Program, which operates a mobile service in Prince William and
Fairfax counties. This program offers free and anonymous services,
including overdose prevention, disease prevention, and connections
to recovery resources.