National Recovery Month is a national observance held each fall 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. Now in its 31st year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those living in recovery. The effort is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This year the theme was Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections.
The staff at Luzerne County Reentry service Center celebrated National Recovery Month with an event that included sporting National Recovery Month t-shirts, and making coffee and cookies available to all who entered the facility that day.
“We are honored to celebrate National Recovery Month, to acknowledge the services we provide that give individuals a chance to understand the value of a positive lifestyle,” said Stacey Velez, Program Manager. “Although it is a small token, participants were pleased to know their progress does not go unnoticed. At the Luzerne County RSC, we are proud of the work we have done to help participants end a life of substance misuse and criminal behaviors.”
Located in Wilkes Barre, Pa., the Luzerne County RSC recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The RSC opened to alleviate jail crowding at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility and reduce chronic recidivism rates among adult probationers. The center provides evidence-based treatment, training and supervision for up to 150 individuals at one time. Individuals referred to the center are required to participate in a multi-phase program that includes reporting to the center, treatment and ongoing drug and alcohol testing. During the pandemic, services are also being provided via phone and videoconferences.
A recent drive-through celebration, an adapted format due to the pandemic, was held to mark program completion for more than 50 individuals. The event was covered by the local Fox News affiliate. Check it out here.