Community-wide event celebrates recovery, wellness and connection while expanding access to vital support services
HOPE VALLEY, RI (September 1, 2026) — For the first time, Rally4Recovery is coming to Washington County, bringing together individuals in recovery, families, healthcare providers, community organizations and local leaders for a celebration of hope, healing, resilience and community.
Hosted by Wood River Health and Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds (HBHM), Washington County's Health Equity Zone, the inaugural Rally4Recovery Washington County will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Rhode Island Quad, 10 Ranger Road in Kingston, Rhode Island. The free, family-friendly event will feature live music, food, activities for all ages, wellness resources, and opportunities to connect with organizations supporting recovery and overall well-being. Rally4Recovery Washington County is presented in partnership with RICARES, the Wellbeing Collaborative, the URI Community First Responder Program, and the URI Collegiate Recovery Program.
Rally4Recovery is part of a national movement that celebrates recovery, fosters hope and belonging and raises awareness about the many pathways individuals take to achieve wellness. Held in communities across the country, recovery rallies bring together individuals in recovery, family members, healthcare providers, peer recovery specialists, community organizations, and advocates to demonstrate that recovery is possible and that support is available.
The launch of Rally4Recovery in Washington County marks an important milestone for the region. While local organizations have long provided recovery, behavioral health, and social support services, this is the first event of its kind to unite healthcare, recovery, educational and community partners around a shared vision of recovery, wellness and belonging. The event will showcase the growing network of resources available throughout the county while creating opportunities for residents to connect with resources, peer support and one another.
At its core, Rally4Recovery is about more than substance use recovery. It reflects a community-wide commitment to helping individuals and families thrive through access to healthcare, behavioral health services, recovery support, wellness programs, social services and meaningful community connections. By bringing these resources together in one place, Rally4Recovery highlights the power of collaboration to create healthier communities and stronger support systems for all residents.
For Wood River Health and Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds, the event represents an important step forward in expanding support for residents throughout Washington County. Both organizations recognize that recovery extends beyond treatment alone and is strengthened by access to healthcare, behavioral health services, housing support, transportation, peer connections, social supports and community acceptance. Rally4Recovery demonstrates how a coordinated, community-wide approach can help individuals and families find the resources they need to achieve long-term health and well-being.
"Recovery is a community effort," said Alison Croke, President and CEO of Wood River Health. "Across Washington County, we continue to see significant needs related to mental health, behavioral health care and substance use disorder services. Rally4Recovery is an opportunity to celebrate hope and resilience while connecting individuals and families with services, support networks and community resources. By bringing healthcare providers, recovery organizations and community partners together, we can help ensure that every person has access to the care, connection and opportunities they need to achieve lasting wellness."
As a Federally Qualified Health Center serving Washington County and southeastern Connecticut, Wood River Health is committed to addressing the physical, emotional and social factors that influence health outcomes. Rally4Recovery reflects the organization's belief that lasting wellness is achieved when people have access to comprehensive, coordinated support close to home.
Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds works alongside residents, municipalities, healthcare providers, schools, nonprofits and regional partners to address health equity challenges and create healthier communities throughout Washington County.
"Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds was established to bring organizations and residents together around shared health goals, and Rally4Recovery exemplifies that mission," said Barbara Gavin, Program Director of Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds. "This event creates a welcoming environment where people can celebrate recovery, connect with resources and discover the many supports available throughout our community. Recovery is stronger when people feel connected, valued and supported. Rally4Recovery is designed to help build those connections and remind people that they are not alone."
Organizers hope the event will become an annual tradition that raises awareness, strengthens community partnerships and demonstrates that recovery is possible for everyone. By bringing healthcare providers, recovery organizations, community agencies and residents together in a single location, Rally4Recovery highlights the power of collaboration in improving individual and community well-being.
Rally4Recovery Washington County is made possible through the leadership of Wood River Health and Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds and the support of dedicated community partners and sponsors. Sponsors include AdCare Rhode Island, CODAC Behavioral Healthcare, Gateway Healthcare Washington County, Galilee Mission, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (NHPRI), and the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH). Their contributions help ensure that this inaugural event remains free and accessible to all members of the community.
For more information about Rally4Recovery Washington County, visit woodriverhealth.org/news-events/rally4recovery.
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About Wood River Health
Founded in 1976, Wood River Health is a private, nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center serving southwestern Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut. The organization provides integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and social support services to 12,000 patients each year.
Guided by its mission to provide high-quality and affordable health care through a compassionate, team-based approach, Wood River Health is committed to ensuring that every member of its community experiences physical, emotional and social well-being.
Recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Patient-Centered Medical Home, Wood River Health receives funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program to provide care in medically underserved communities.
About Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds
Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds (HBHM) is Washington County's Health Equity Zone, a community-based collaborative dedicated to improving health and well-being by addressing the social, economic and environmental factors that influence health outcomes. HBHM brings together residents, healthcare providers, schools, nonprofits, municipalities and community partners to identify local priorities and develop community-driven solutions that advance health equity throughout Washington County. Through collaboration, education and advocacy, HBHM works to build healthier, more connected communities where all residents have the opportunity to thrive.
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