A local substance misuse center is making a difference with the programs and the hope they offer to individuals and families. On top of that, their upcoming Rock 4 Recovery concert is one many won’t want to miss.
The Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council, now known as LRADAC, is a non-profit organization providing treatment programs, education, prevention, and intervention to those living in South Carolina’s Lexington and Richland counties. The two substance misuse treatment centers, in Lexington and Columbia, provide day treatment and withdrawal management. Their programs reach out to the community with resources to educate, inform, and assist those in need.
Nearly 5,000 people receive help annually. People are oftentimes the backbone of an organization that provides opportunities to help others. “With a dedicated staff and innovative programs and services, LRADAC takes a proactive approach to fighting addiction and substance misuse in our schools, businesses, and neighborhoods,” Robbie Robertson, communications director shared. “We tailor our programs to meet the ever-changing needs of the communities we serve. Our prevention, intervention, and treatment programs spread the message that there is hope and that substance misuse and addiction are preventable and treatable.”
The agency spreads the word through informative community events and projects including initiatives, overdose awareness, and town hall meetings. In April, town hall meetings were held to address underage drinking and substance abuse. “When it comes to conversations about substance misuse, transparency and candid communication are vital to make a real impact on our youth,” said Ashley Bodiford, LRADAC’s director of prevention. “Parents, other family members, and additional role models need to start open and honest conversations about substance misuse because when communities start talking, young adults do listen, and we can have a direct and long-lasting impact on our kids’ choices.”
To be able to help so many people with various services, it takes a staff of employees, volunteers (who have helped with past events), and dedicated board members who serve on one of two boards. Robertson explained the responsibilities of the two boards. The LRADAC board oversees the day-to-day operations. The volunteer-based Foundation Board is a community organization that helps support the LRADAC programs and services. This board also provides financial assistance to those seeking recovery who may not be able to pay for assessments, treatment, and other programs.
“Once a person decides to seek help, the cost of services is often the primary barrier to participating in treatment,” Robertson said. “Thankfully, LRADAC does not turn patients away because of an inability to pay for services. Because of charitable contributions to the LRADAC Foundation, individuals, and families without insurance or those facing financial hardships can apply for financial assistance that can help get them on the road to recovery.”
LRADAC recently had a change in leadership. After thirteen years of serving as vice president and chief financial officer at LRADAC, Wendy Hughes took on a new role as president and chief executive officer on June 1. “As we’ve all seen over the last several years, South Carolina—like most anywhere in our nation—continues to have high rates of substance misuse and mental health challenges,” said Hughes. “And while the opioid epidemic, the fentanyl crisis, and overdose rates make the most headlines these days, alcohol and other primary substances of misuse like marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine remain constant challenges that we continue to address for our patients.”
Having a support system in the local community is more than a convenience for individuals and families dealing with these challenges.
“The combination of these challenges seems daunting for our communities, and that’s why our work is more crucial than ever,” Hughes continued. “I know that with the hard work and dedication of our staff and community partners, LRADAC has been and will remain a constant and trustworthy resource for anyone who wants to get on the road to recovery.”
Federal grants, corporate and individual donations help with the necessary funding, as well as fundraising events. Fundraisers include Midlands Gives Day and Facebook individual fundraisers, as well as a Rock 4 Recovery fundraising concert. An upcoming concert marks the fourth fundraising Rock 4 Recovery event. This concert’s headliner is Taylor Dayne. It will be held Friday, September 29 from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm at the Icehouse Amphitheater located at 107 W Main St, Lexington, SC 29072. Local food trucks will be available before and during the concert. Tickets for Rock 4 Recovery are $30 and are available for purchase HERE. Proceeds from this substance-free concert will help raise awareness about the power and healing of recovery from substance misuse and help support those in financial distress to fully participate in recovery services for themselves and their families.
One concert has the potential to make a big impact. “With the generous support of our presenting sponsor Dominion Energy, we are thrilled to bring Taylor Dayne to Rock 4 Recovery,” said Leslie Maley, LRADAC’s Foundation chair. “With such a high-profile act like Taylor, Rock 4 Recovery has grown into one of the Midlands’ most anticipated concerts—and one of the only events around that offer a substance-free and safe environment for live music lovers of all ages,” Maley said. “In addition, because of the continued success of past concerts and other fundraising events, the LRADAC Foundation helps families and individuals enter recovery who could not do so on their own because of a lack of insurance or inability to pay. Each year, approximately 1,000 families receive the treatment they need in part because of the money raised at our concert.”
Dominion Energy has been a consistent sponsor. “We are blessed to live and work in a place where friends, neighbors, and organizations like LRADAC are there for you when you need them most,” said Keller Kissam, President of Dominion Energy South Carolina. “This amazing event is a testament to the collective power of our community as we stand together to support the critical work they do for families across the Midlands.”
Robertson explained a broader picture of the work done throughout the state. “As a non-profit agency, LRADAC is one of 33 county alcohol and drug abuse authorities recognized by the state of South Carolina. This network of direct service agencies provides prevention, intervention, and treatment programs to citizens in all 46 counties of the state,” he wrote. “More than 50,000 South Carolinians receive direct intervention or treatment services through county authorities each year.”
Learn more at LRADAC’s website.