By CHARLENE LOVETT
Every September, the nation observes National Recovery Month to raise awareness that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with substance use disorders (SUDs) and/or other mental health issues to live a healthy and rewarding life. It is an opportunity for communities to reinforce the message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover. It is a time to celebrate those who have made gains in recovery, and recognize the organizations and people dedicated to providing these services. This year, Claremont will be observing National Recovery Month via proclamation and a series of events open to the public.
Nation-al Recovery Month began in 1989 as Treat-ment Works! Month, honoring the work of substance-use treatment professionals in the field. Nine years later it had evolved into National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in order to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals in recovery from SUDs. In 2011, it evolved, once again, to become National Recovery Month to include all aspects of behavioral health.
Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), National Recovery Month selects a new focus and theme each year. This year the focus is on urban communities, health care providers, members of the media, and policymakers, highlighting the various entities that support recovery within our society. The theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home, Purpose, and Community,” and explores how integrated care, a strong community, sense of purpose, and leadership contributes to effective treatments that sustain long term recovery.
Creating effective treatments that sustain recovery has been the focus of many in the Claremont area during 2018. When Hope for Recovery announced the closure of its Claremont office, community leaders and providers worked together to ensure that peer-recovery support services continued in the area. As a result, TLC Family Resource Center opened The Center for Recovery Resources, which is now offering a variety of classes and peer support to help people stay in recovery.
Throughout the year, REMIX has provided a substance free, nightclub experience on Friday nights. Because of the generous donations of supporters and the volunteers who staff REMIX, it is free to anyone in the community who wishes to enjoy the nightlife without the presence of alcohol. On Monday nights, it also provides services to those interested in seeking recovery through faith based programs.
Most recently, West Central Behavioral Health (WCBH) opened its Substance Use Facility to address the needs of people specifically dealing with SUDs. Previously, WCBH provided counseling services to people dealing primarily with mental health issues. This expansion will now enable them to focus services for people dealing with a SUD, but not necessarily a mental health issue.
This is not a comprehensive picture of all that has occurred within Claremont over the past eight months to expand and improve behavioral health services. However, it demonstrates our community’s commitment to creating a continuum of care that will enable people to sustain long term recovery and lead rewarding and fulfilling lives. Below is a list of activities that will take place throughout the month in Claremont in celebration of National Recovery Month.
Sept. 11, 6 p.m. at Arrowhead — Prayer Hike
Sept. 12, 6:40 p.m. in Council Chambers — Proclamation Observing National Recovery Month
Sept. 20, 4:30 p.m. — Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at The Center for Recovery
Sept. 21, 7 p.m. — Comedy for a Cause
Sept. 24 & 25 — REMIX hosts Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery for two-day training entitled “Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches”
If you would like to learn more about National Recovery Month and how communities have supported people in recovery, please visit recoverymonth.gov. If you or your organization would like to “Join the Voices for Recovery,” this website is an excellent resource for ideas and printable material.
Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont and welcomes your feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to her at [email protected]
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