Media Alert
October 24, 2023
Taylor Fuqua, Manager of PR & Marketing; tfuqua@VirginiaHistory.org; 804.342.9661

Richmond, VA – Join the Virginia Museum of History & Culture and the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond for an evening program in conversation with journalist and bestselling author, Beth Macy.

On November 14th, Macy will be at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture to discuss her book Raising Lazarus: Hope, Justice, and the Future of America’s Overdose Crisis. Whereas, Dopesick chronicled the origins of the opioid epidemic by introducing readers into the country’s hardest hit places and the personal costs of the drug crisis on those who became addicted, her newest novel shines a light on the people advocating for and providing lifesaving care for the addicted, as well as possible solutions for addressing the crisis.

“The Community Foundation is invested in supporting local initiatives that have the greatest potential to give all people a chance to thrive and prosper, particularly for those facing the greatest barriers,” said Scott Blackwell, Chief Community Impact Officer. “We are thrilled to hear from Beth Macy, as her research and storytelling underscores how interconnected and disruptive addiction can be to achieving safe and affordable housing, job and income stability, and healthy, nurturing environments for children and families.”

Raising Lazarus is third in a series of books Beth Macy has written exploring the struggles of marginalized communities in the United States. Macy's first book, Factory Man, explored the aftermath of globalization and won a J. Anthony Lukas Prize. Dopesick, Macy’s second book, focused on the opioid crisis and was short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, won the L.A. Times Book Prize for Science and Technology, and was described as a “masterwork of narrative nonfiction” by The New York Times before being made into a Peabody- and Emmy Award-winning Hulu series.

Following the lecture, visitors are invited to participate in a moderated Q&A with Beth Macy. Tickets are limited and required for this in-person-only lecture. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit VirginiaHistory.org/Events.

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is the only institution dedicated to presenting the entire history of Virginia over time and across regions. Its nationally significant collection of more than 9 million objects, renowned research library, galleries and public programs demonstrate the centrality of Virginia to the narrative of the United States.

The VMHC is owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society — a private, non-profit organization established in 1831. The historical society is the oldest cultural organization in Virginia and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the nation.