RECOVERY COMMUNITY SAFELY GATHERS TO CELEBRATE RECOVERY MONTH
14TH Annual Recovery Walk Increases Awareness and Shatters the Stigma of Drug Addiction
(Baltimore, MD September 7, 2021) On Saturday September 18 from 3 to 8 p.m. in historic Druid Hill Park at the Chinese Pavilion in honor of National Recovery Month hundreds of members of Baltimore’s recovery community are expected to safely convene to raise awareness and shatter the stigma associated with drug addiction and recovery. It’s been 15 AMAZING YEARS of INCREASING AWARENESS! Last year due to COVID 19 restrictions and precautions the walk did not take place.
Many are aware of the devastation that COVID 19 presented for businesses, the economy and the many families who lost loved ones to the deadly pandemic, however only the recovery community is aware of the destruction the pandemic showered across those needing and seeking recovery when doors to opportunities to stay clean and recover were forced to close.
12 step meetings, the life lines for many seeking recovery were shut down.
As many swiftly shifted to online platforms to provide services, those new to recovery, many older who may not have been technically savvy or with access were left behind to fend for themselves, when 12 step meetings shifted from in person to Zoom making this year’s convening even more important than years past. Fellowship is essential to ongoing recovery.
Those in recovery who survived the pandemic are celebrating recovery on Saturday September 18th SAFELY, in masks, social distanced, out loud, in person, with others who also survived as many did not. 2020 saw a record number of relapse and deaths to overdose.
With the increasing number of overdoses experienced in Baltimore over the past few years, disproportionately in 2020 due to COVID 19, it is so vitally important to celebrate those who have overcome their battle with addiction and mental health and are living full and productive lives. This national observance strongly and boldly continues to promote the message that behavioral health is essential to the livelihood of all individuals in our community.
Each September, the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the US Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS), sponsors National Recovery Month. This year’s theme is deservingly “Unity in Action!”
“We’ve seen the current opioid epidemic take thousands of lives over the past few years; it is our responsibility to join together behavioral health providers, community stakeholders, participants of services and their families to raise awareness of the treatment and recovery opportunities available in the communities. Any opportunity to provide a platform that proves that recovery is possible is a mission that I can stand behind.” Says Monica White, the committee chair responsible for spearheading Baltimore’s Recovery Walk efforts.
The evening will culminate with Food, Fun, Fellowship and an Awards Ceremony, Mayor Brandon Scott, States Attorney Marilyn Mosby, Senators Jill Carter and Antonio Hayes have all been invited and are expected to present citations and remarks. The event begins at 3PM.
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