Letters to Editor

Dear Editor,

Oftentimes, individuals who experience a mental or substance use disorder feel isolated and alone. Yet, every year, millions of Americans experience these conditions. It’s important that we offer support to individuals facing mental and substance use disorders. In fact, we need to create environments and relationships that promote acceptance. Support from families is essential to recovery, so it’s important that family members have the tools to start conversations about prevention, treatment, and recovery. Too many people are still unaware that prevention works and that mental and substance use disorders can be treated, just like other health problems.

Having worked in the Behavioral Health field for 20 plus years in the states of Illinois, Montana and Washington, I have witnessed the positive reality of recovery. Individuals who embrace recovery achieve improved mental and physical health and form stronger relationships with their neighbors, family members, and peers.

We need to make more people feel as though recovery is possible. Mental and substance use disorders affect people of all ethnicities, ages, genders, geographic regions, and socioeconomic levels. They need to know that help is available. These individuals can get better, both physically and emotionally, with the support of a welcoming community. Families and communities can find hope and spread the message that recovery works by celebrating the annual National Recovery Month, an initiative sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare in collaboration with Family Health Centers and the
Kiwana’s are celebrating Recovery Month by holding an Okanogan County Recovery Event, on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018 at the Agriplex from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., to honor individuals and families who are in long-term recovery. Come hear the voices of recovery, learn about the options available for prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders and spend time with two special guests, Travis Rybarski and Jason Deshaw will tell their personal stories of recovery through music.

Your attendance will demonstrate the support of the recovery community, including those who provide prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. I urge all community members to join the celebration and help stem the incidence of mental and substance use disorders. Offering support to those experiencing mental and substance use disorders can make a huge difference. Together we can help others realize the promise of recovery and give families the right support to help their loved ones.  

Free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day through SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or 1-800-487-4889 (TDD).  For additional information please visit us Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare on Facebook or our website at www.okbhc.org

Look forward to seeing you!
 
Jim Novelli MSEd, CEO
Okanogan
Behavioral HealthCare