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SWVA Community Health Systems to host Recovery Walk, free health fair
SPorter
Two important community health events are coming up in Saltville.
As part of National Recovery Month and on the day when communities across the nation are celebrating recovery, Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems’ New Day Recovery program is hosting its third annual Recovery Walk on Monday, Sept. 28, from noon to 3 p.m.
This free regional event is expected to bring together individuals in recovery, community members, healthcare professionals, local organizations and advocates to raise awareness, reduce stigma and strengthen support for those impacted by substance use disorder.
The walk begins at the Town Stage in Saltville and will be a casual walk on the Salt Trail.
Participants are encouraged to walk for themselves, someone they love, or the community. It is believed that “every step inspires hope.”
SVCHS is also hosting walks in Bristol at Cumberland Square Park from 1-4 p.m. and Tazwell’s Lincolnshire Park from 12-3 p.m.
New Day Recover provides evidence-based outpatient care for substance use disorder through integrated medical and behavioral care.
“Recovery from substance use disorder is possible,” said New Day Recovery Behavioral Health Manager, Melissa Doane-Williams, in a news release. “We see that reality every day through the individuals and families we serve. Our annual Recovery Walk gives us the opportunity to celebrate those stories, bring communities together in support of recovery, and raise awareness that hope and healing are possible for everyone.”
SVCHS is also hosting the Saltville Health Fair, which will feature free health screenings and tests for the whole family.
The fair will take place on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the former Walgreens.
The event will include vendors, door prizes, and light refreshments.
If it rains, the fair will move indoors.
SVCHS said, “This is a gift for our neighbors and partners.”
SVCHS also said it would welcome health-care related organizations to offer health screenings, tests, or other activities during the fair.
For both the fair and the walk, SVCHS said that vendors, community agencies, and local businesses may set up a tent/table to provide resources for attendees at no charge.
Chilhowie man convicted of murder after giving brother pill with fentanyl
BEN ORNER
Bristol Herald Courier
Joshua Maggard
SPorter /
A jury on Wednesday convicted a Chilhowie man of felony murder in the 2024 overdose death of his brother, Washington County Commonwealth's Attorney Josh Cumbow announced.
Joshua Maggard, 48, was also convicted of distribution of a schedule II controlled substance, as the group of Washington County Circuit Court jurors took over six hours to deliberate and make their decision.
On Aug. 18, 2024, in Washington County, Maggard shared a pill with his brother, 50-year-old Richard Maggard, that he believed to be Roxicodone. But toxicology after Richard's death showed that fentanyl was contained in the pill and was the cause of death.
Joshua Maggard's arrest came in January 2025 at the conclusion of a five-month investigation.
"This is a tragic case but we see these facts too often," Cumbow wrote in a statement Wednesday. "Fentanyl is deadly and, unfortunately, often disguised as other drugs, including over the counter medications."
"If just one person decides not to take street drugs because of the likelihood of illicit fentanyl," the commonwealth's attorney added, "this is a successful prosecution."
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