Message from the President

“Join the Voices for Recovery – TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER!”

“I am so grateful to all of those who stuck by my side and didn’t give up on me, even after I had given up on myself. Every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow, and I do not take any of it for granted. I am so grateful to be on this journey and to have found this new way of life.” – Jenna

Every September, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sponsors National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and/or substance use disorders. This initiative is held to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. It also is a time to celebrate people in recovery, as well as those working in the behavioral health field.

Now in its 30th year, the 2019 Recovery Month theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER!” celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. This is also a time for communities to help reduce the stigma of alcohol and other drug addiction and mental illness, to be vocal about how communities can work together to support those needing treatment and progressing through recovery and to allow individuals and their families to continue being valuable residents in our communities. National Recovery Month aims to promote increased understanding and awareness of mental and substance use disorders and promotes the message that behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective and people recover. The 2019 Recovery Month theme emphasizes the need to share resources and build networks across the country to support recovery. It reminds us all that mental and substance use disorders affect us all, and that we are all part of the solution.

A person with a mental health and/or substance use disorder may find it difficult to take the first step toward finding help, but reaching out for support can have a positive impact. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use problem is the first step toward obtaining help and getting better. Once individuals are aware of their health condition, they can take the necessary steps to seek assistance. Investing in one’s recovery through treatment improves an individual’s quality of life, as well as their caregiver’s life. Intervening early, before behavioral health problems progress, is also among the best and most cost-effective ways to improve health.

We invite you to join us for our 14th Annual Voices for Recovery 5K Family Run, 1 Mile Walk on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Lorain County Metroparks- Black River Reservation – Bur Oak Pavilion. Race registration begins at 8 am, the kids run begins at 8:45 am, and the run/walk starts at 9:00 am. An awards ceremony will immediately follow. You can register for the race online at: www.hermescleveland.com (look for our race).

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 28, 2019 and join us at the Black River Reservation for a fun community event that highlights the positive impact that recovery has on our community.