CHAMBERSBURG – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed September to be National Recovery Month in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners are drawing attention to the impact mental health and substance use disorders have on communities as well as the services that are available to help those on their journey of recovery.
Now in its 33rd year, the goal of National Recovery Month is to educate Americans on how substance use treatment and mental health services can help individuals live healthy, rewarding lives. The 2022 theme, “Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community,” reminds individuals in recovery and those who support them that recovery involves everyone; no one is alone.
“With commitment and support, people can and do recover every day,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller. “So much of what we do in county government is focused on helping those who are on a lifetime journey of recovery. By recognizing Recovery Month, we are expressing our support for those in recovery as well as our gratitude to those who support them along the way.”
Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol and other community partners are shining a light on National Recovery Month through a variety of community events and activities. The month began with an Overdose Prayer Vigil and a Light the Night with Hope walk hosted by The Harbor, Shippensburg. Franklin County’s Good Wolf Treatment Court celebrated the program’s 22nd graduate and five years of success as an alternative to incarceration during a special ceremony on Sept. 1. Additionally, downtown areas of Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg and Waynesboro will be decked with purple lights throughout September to raise awareness of National Recovery Month.
Upcoming events include:
- Rock for Recovery Concert: Sept. 17 at Waynesboro Memorial Park. Rock for Recovery is a free community event in celebration of Recovery Month presented by Pyramid Healthcare.
- Courage to Change Advocacy Day: Sept. 21 at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, Harrisburg. Participants have the opportunity to engage with their legislators, share their stories and messages of hope.
- Sober September: Sept. 24 at Cowans Gap State Park, Fort Loudon. This free, family friendly event celebrates those in recovery and includes food, speakers and games.
By declaring September to be National Recovery Month in Franklin County, the commissioners are urging residents to increase their knowledge of mental health and substance use disorders, to learn how to recognize them and to understand how Franklin County residents can seek help through treatment services available within their own communities. Those services, available through Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol, can assist those affected by mental health and substance use disorders in living healthy lifestyles.
