This September, the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) joins communities across the nation in celebrating the 30th anniversary of National Recovery Month.
National Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and was adopted by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors in 2011. The celebration raises awareness of mental health and substance use disorders, celebrates individuals in long-term recovery, and acknowledges the work of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.
DBH invites community members to celebrate Recovery Month by wearing a purple ribbon, using the #RisforRecovery hashtag on their social media platforms, and attending the following no-cost special events:
· The “Finding Our Way” play on Thursday Sept. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the San Bernardino Valley College Theater, 701 S. Mt. Vernon Ave. in Colton. The play, written by Playwrights Project participants at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, explores the cycle of addiction and ends with a resounding message of hope.
· Recovery Happens on Sat., Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the National Orange Show, 690 S. Arrowhead Ave. (Gate 8) in San Bernardino. The event features children’s activities, a resource fair, entertainment, refreshments, and an awards ceremony for individuals in recovery and those working in the field of substance use disorder treatment.
“Mental health and substance use disorders affect people of all ethnicities, ages, genders, and socioeconomic levels,” said DBH Director Veronica Kelley. “Our communities play a significant role in supporting friends, family members, neighbors, and colleagues through their recovery and as they gain the support and tools necessary to achieve optimum wellness.”
For more information regarding these events, call (909) 386-9720 (711 for TTY users) or email DBH-Outreach@dbh.sbcounty.gov.
DBH provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery services at low- to no-cost. Learn more by visiting www.sbcounty.gov/dbh.