Race Toward Recovery - WV

A 5K may seem like a routine event in an area where running has become so popular. But for PROACT (Provider Response Organization for Addiction Care and Treatment), the thousands of dollars raised by the annual Race Toward Recovery help provide necessary services for people in recovery from addiction. 

“There’s a lot of services, like case management and chaplain services, that we can’t bill insurance companies for,” said Director Michael Haney. “I call them wrap-around services, which are necessary if individuals are going to have a good recovery.”

The third annual Race Toward Recovery is set for 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at Barboursville Park. The run begins and ends at Shelter #8, near Lake William. Individual advance registration is $25 for runners/walkers or $30 on the day of the race.

Many of the thousands of patients seen annually are involved in medication-assisted treatment (MAT), with these prescriptions helping to reduce drug or alcohol cravings. 

One reason for organizing the races in 2022 was the loss of a previous partner who withdrew from the agreement during the pandemic. Since that group had helped provide services at no cost to the cooperative, the agency had to design new ways to raise revenue.

The Race Toward Recovery has not only generated about $12,000 a year in funding, Haney said it has helped raise PROACT’s profile in the community. A lot of residents ask about the program when they see runners wearing T-shirts around town, and many get involved in the race.

“Last year our medical director (Dr. Zachery Hansen) ran, one of our nurse practitioners, and a lot of therapists and caregivers,” Haney said. “Not only does the race raise funds, it lets people know about PROACT and raises awareness of addiction problems.”