CHAMBERSBURG – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed September to be National Recovery Month in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners are joining community partners in celebrating the strength and resiliency of individuals on their journey to recovery while working to eliminate the stigma associated with substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
Now in its 36th year, National Recovery Month celebrates Americans in recovery, highlights the dedication of the service providers who make recovery possible, and raises awareness of new treatment and recovery practices. It is also a time to share success stories and promote open dialogue to reduce the shame and negativity often associated with substance use and mental health issues.
Substance use disorders and mental health conditions affect every community in the U.S. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 50.2 million American adults consider themselves to be in recovery from substance use and/or a mental health condition. Based on that data, more than 23,000 Franklin County adults are estimated to be in recovery from substance use and/or mental health issues.
“Recovery isn’t something you do once and then you’re healed. It’s a lifelong journey that requires commitment and encouragement every single day,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “To those in recovery, we see you and we support you, and your recovery continues to have an overall positive impact on the health and wellbeing of our community.”
National Recovery Month draws attention to treatment services available to Franklin County residents in 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 and achieving their full penitential.
For information on local resources and services, contact Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol at 717-263-1256 or [email protected]. Information is also available on the department’s webpage, www.franklincountypa.gov/departments/drug-and-alcohol/. Individuals seeking immediate help for themselves or for someone they know should call 1-800-662-HELP or text 717-216-0905.
Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol and other community partners are highlighting National Recovery Month and their efforts to promote a unified response and support through a variety of public outreach and community activities in September. This includes the 5th Annual Sober September celebration from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Cowan’s Gap State Park. The free, family friendly event will be held at Pavilion 4 and will include free food, educational speakers and games.
For more information on this and other local National Recovery Month events, contact Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol.
