Join the Voices For Recovery Movement
September is National Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of mental illness and substance use disorders and celebrate those who are in recovery. This year's theme-Join the Voices for Recovery: Our Families, Our Stories, Our Recovery!- highlights the value of individuals, families, and communities sharing stories of recovery as a way to encourage others to make a personal connection with the recovery movement.
BHSB knows that prevention works, treatment is effective, and recovery is possible. Sharing and celebrating personal successes helps individuals with mental illness and/or a substance use disorder to sustain recovery and build resiliency. It also strengthens support and hope for families and our community.
This month we celebrate Joseph, and so many others who provide support and hope for recovery. His story is our story.
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Providing Hope and Support
A Story of Recovery From the Front Lines
Joseph Loyal struggled with an addiction to heroin for half his life. Things changed when he entered treatment at Total Health Care in the summer of 2010, graduating in February of the next year. After completing his after-care treatment, he felt like "a new man" and wanted to help others escape their debilitating dependence on heroin and other drugs. He became a Peer Recovery Coordinator, working closely with others seeking to recover from their substance use disorders and lead healthier lives.
BHSB supports Peer Recovery Centers across Baltimore, relying on the unique skills of people in long-term recovery to help others. Now 56, Mr. Loyal continues to serve people with substance use disorders, still working at Total Health Care. "I ask them, 'How are things working? Are you happy with your life? What improvements do you want to make?'" Mr. Loyal says. "And I talk to them and tell them that change is possible."
The Peer Recovery program offers a range of activities including a community service club to allow participants to give back to the community, evening social events and health education. The program also connects participants with services to obtain housing and open checking accounts. "We work with them to move past their shame and guilt and help them build their self-confidence back. It's a long-term challenge."
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Recovery Month Events
Baltimore's 10th Annual Recovery Walk
Saturday September 10, 2016 8am- 2 pm
Carroll Park -Washington Blvd at Monroe St.
Join BHSB, behavioral health providers, and civic leaders to celebrate Recovery Month with the 10th Annual Recovery Walk. This event, sponsored by the Recovery Walk Steering Committee, highlights the importance of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. It will include a walk and talent competition, as well as, feature local voices of those living in recovery and other community leaders to provide continued support to our community. To learn more about the event, click here.
Effective Strategies and Substance Abuse Issues in the Criminal Justice Population
Thursday September 15, 2016 9am- 4pm
Baltimore City Circuit Court 100 N. Calvert St. Room 509
Baltimore City Circuit Court Addictions Assessment Unit/Pretrial Release Services invites you to celebrate National Recovery Month by attending a training session for those providing services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. BHSB is supporting this event through facilitating training and discussions around the topic of providing trauma-responsive care within the criminal justice system. For more information and to register, click here.
BHSB wants to support all of our partners and providers throughout the city. If your agency or organization is hosting an event to celebrate the successes of individuals recovering from substance use disorder or mental illness during National Recovery Month you may contact Jeneffer Haslam, Communications Manager and we will share your event and successes throughout the community.
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Do you or someone you know need treatment
for mental health or substance use?
Help is now available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Talk to a live, trained professional at any time of the day or night!
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One North Charles Street, Suite 1300 | Baltimore, MD 21201 | 410-637-1900
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