September is National Recovery Month. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration sponsors the awareness campaign for people recovering from those disorders.
The national theme is "Join The Voices of Recovery: Together We Are Stronger".
Jenny Chiamulera of the Oneida County Health Department says a tri-county coalition involving Oneida, Vilas and Forest counties work on mental health and substance abuse disorders. They partner with a number of local agencies in the effort...
"...We partner with a lot of organizations throughout the community. The Human Service Center, Marshfield Clinic, Ascension, Department of Social Services, Nicolet College. Those are just a few of the partners we have in our community. It fits with 'Join The Voices, Together We Are Better'...."
Two events are happening this month. Marshfield Clinic, Nicolet College and Ascension are sponsoring a film, "The Ripple Effect" about a young man who tried, and failed, to commit suicide off the Golden Gate Bridge. That showing is September 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Nicolet College. There is no charge. There's also a resource fair to help people find resources to help.
Chiamulera says a second event is sponsored by a student group at Nicolet College called 'Be The Difference'. It's a Nicolet College substance abuse program student group. They're hosting a "Light Up The Night For Recovery" event at Hodag Park in Rhinelander Thursday September 26 from 7-9 p.m.
"This is a relaxed event. They will have some speakers, talking about recovery with some people sharing their stories about their journey. There will be some refreshments and there will be a walk around Hodag Park..."
Researchers say just under 20 million Americans suffer substance abuse issues. Of those people, 8.5 million also suffer mental health issues. About half of those adults did not receive help in the past year.
More information is available by contacting Chiamulera at the Oneida County Health Department at 715-369-6186.
