Harford County Community Services Joins the Voices of Recovery; Education on Substance Abuse, Treatment & Recovery

From Harford County government:

Join the Voices for Recovery: Speak Up, Reach Out is the theme for the 2014 Recovery Month celebration in September. It encourages people to openly discuss mental and substance abuse disorders and the reality of recovery. For 25 years, Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders.

In 2014, Recovery Month will spread the message that behavioral health is essential to health; educate Americans about how people in recovery can achieve healthy lifestyles; guide the community in providing support and encouragement; and celebrate people in long-term recovery.

In order to help more people enter a path of recovery, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Harford County Government, Office of Drug Control Policy and the Harford County Health Department, Addiction Services invite all citizens of Harford County to participate in the month long celebration.

“Substance use disorders are treatable,” said Joe Ryan, Manager of the Harford County Office of Drug Control Policy. “We are determined to aggressively address the issues and educate our citizens, recognizing the essential need to combat misconceptions associated with addiction, treatment and recovery.”

Substance use and mental disorders can affect anyone, but prevention works, treatment is effective, and recovery is possible. It is essential that the community understands that public awareness will increase access for those in need of essential substance use and mental health treatment and recovery support services, including behavioral health treatment. For more information, visit the Recovery Month website: www.recoverymonth.gov.

Local events taking place in Harford County, detailed event information can be found by liking us on Facebook | www.facebook.com/HCODCP:

2014 Run 4 Recovery: September 6, 2014 – Registration opens at 8:00 am Race begins at 9:00 am $10 pre-registration fee must be in by September 4, 2014 Run-4-Recovery 5K will be at The MA & PA Heritage Trail, Liriodendron Parking Lot–West Gordon Street, Bel Air, MD 21014 Post race refreshments, goodie bags, & awards will be provided! A 5K to Benefit Addiction Connection Resources. All proceeds benefit ACR.

Shining a Light on Recover, Candlelight Vigil: September 6, 2014, 4:30 – 5:15pm – The “Extreme” Balloon Man and master magician, Steve Gambrill will be performing a show for children of all ages 5:45pm -The Anonymous People documentary will be shown 7:30 PM — Candlelight Vigil begins. Shamrock Park, Lee Way & Hickory Ave., Bel Air, MD

First Annual Caitlin’s Games: September 13, 2014, 1pm – A fun Softball Tournament to promote youth drug awareness in Harford County. Kelly Fields, 502 Boulton St., Bel Air, MD

Human Rope to Stop the Dope: September 27, 2014, 10-11am – This event is being held in memory of Alyssa Whelan and the many others who have tragically lost their lives due to drug addiction. Join us as we come together to raise awareness, celebrate recovery and link together to combat substance abuse and addictions in Harford County. Harford County Administration Building, 220 South Main St., Bel Air, MD.

Prescription Drug Take Back Day: September 27, 2014, 10am – 2pm – Clean out your medicine cabinet and drop off any unused, expired medicines. No questions asked when medications are turned in. Locations include: Harford County Administration Building, 220 South Main St., Bel Air, MD | Havre de Grace Police Station, 715 Pennington Ave. | Maryland State Police Barrack D, 1401 Bel Air Road

For more information, please contact the Harford County Department of Community Services, Office of Drug Control Policy, at 410-638-3333, email odcp@harfordcountymd.gov, or Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/HCODCP.