Lewisburg, WV – The final chords of “Heart You’ve Been Tendin’” echoed across the West Virginia State Fairgrounds as Tyler Childers and his band brought the annual Healing Appalachia festival to a close. A bittersweet moment for the thousands gathered, the song served as both a celebration of the weekend’s triumphs and a stark reminder of the ongoing opioid crisis that the festival aims to combat.

This year’s Healing Appalachia, held September 19-21, was arguably its biggest yet. Alongside Childers, a who’s who of Americana and roots music graced the stage: Shooter Jennings brought his outlaw spirit to the masses, while S.G. Goodman entertained with her “I don’t care” swagger that captivated the crowd. But the festival was much more than just a star-studded concert.

From the moment the gates opened, a palpable sense of community permeated the air. Attendees, many sporting “Hope in the Hills” t-shirts, shared stories, resources, and hugs. The festival grounds were dotted with recovery support tents, offering everything from Narcan training to information on local treatment programs.

“It’s not just about the music. It’s about creating a safe space where people can come together, find support, and know they’re not alone in this fight.” a sentiment that was shared by many we talked to and who spoke from the stage. Childers himself, a Kentucky native who has been open about his own struggles with addiction, addressed the crowd with a mix of passion and vulnerability. “We ain’t here to judge,” he declared, his voice thick with emotion. “We’re here to lift each other up and show the world that recovery is possible.”

His performance was a testament to that message. From the raw grit of “Way Of The Triune God” to the crowd favorite  “All Your’n” Childers poured his heart into every note. As the final night drew to a close, Tyler left the crowd with a call to action. “This ain’t just a three-day thing,” he urged. “We gotta carry this spirit with us every day. We gotta keep fighting for our communities, for our families, for ourselves.”

With those words hanging in the air, Healing Appalachia 2024 came to an end. But its impact will undoubtedly be felt long after the last stage lights have dimmed. The festival has become a beacon of hope in a region ravaged by addiction, proving that music can be a powerful force for healing and change.

Below are pictures of the Trail Of Truth which is a display of monuments that honors those who have been taken by the drug epidemic in this country. It has been displayed annually on the capitol lawn to bring attention to crisis that impacts so many of us. To learn more click here.