Celebrating National Recovery Month
Voices of Recovery in Allegany County
By Melissa Biddle, Community Health Division Manager
Ardent Solutions
Every September—and throughout the year—thousands of events occur nationally to celebrate Recovery Month. These events, ranging from recovery walks and rallies to online web chats and group barbeques, encourage prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.
Allegany County is working hard to understand the problem in our rural area and provide services customized to our needs. “The path to recovery requires an acknowledgement of the need for help, and identification and access to the most appropriate treatment method. Recovery is unique for each individual and should consider the whole person. Mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being are all interconnected. Community support is essential in the healing process,” stated Terrence Rodgers of Wellsville, NY.
Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA collaborates with nearly 250 Recovery Month Planning Partner organizations who represent local, state, and national organizations dedicated to prevention, treatment, and recovery.
“Individuals in recovery and their support systems can be change agents in our communities,” shared Legislator Judy Hopkins, Allegany County Heroin and Opioid Ad-Hoc Committee Chairperson. “It is critical that people experiencing mental and/or substance use disorders receive the support they need. Often individuals living in recovery can share their experience and may help guide others seeking support and services. Currently, funding is being sought to develop a peer advocacy program called Recovery Coaches that would provide training to those interested. The reality is that behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover.”
In 2015, 43.4 million people aged 18 or older (17.9 percent of adults) had any mental illness according to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an annual survey released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). For the same time frame, 20.8 million people aged 12 or older (7.8 percent) had a substance use disorder. And, 8.1 million adults, aged 18 or older, had both a substance use disorder and a mental illness.
This year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Strengthen Families and Communities,” encourages communities to be socially inclusive, offering those in need of recovery support the chance to seek help, lend a hand, and contribute to their community as citizens, parents, employees, students, volunteers, and leaders. Communities can improve the lives of those in recovery by extending opportunities for meaningful daily activities, such as jobs, school, volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors. Local communities can play a significant role in supporting those in recovery as they gain the independence, income, and resources necessary to fully participate in society.
“Community forums are being planned for the fall by the Allegany County Heroin and Opioid Ad-Hoc Committee to encourage community members to learn more about substance abuse and provide resources for those impacted. Voices of Allegany County, a video production featuring local community members from all walks of life, will expose the depth of the problem of addiction in our local communities. Addiction affects everyone!” stated Leslie Haggstrom, a committee member.
For further information on heroin and prescription drug abuse, please visit the Partners for Prevention website at www.ppaccentral.org or New York State’s Combat Heroin efforts at www.combatheroin.ny.org.
