Event planned to celebrate those recovering from addictions
Many still on waiting lists
More than 30 organizations from in and outside Madison County are sponsoring a celebratory event for those recovering from substance abuse disorders and for treatment providers who helped change their lives.
The event, Join Hands in Recovery Across the Chain of Rocks Bridge, takes place Saturday at the bridge.This year's theme is "Join the Voices for Recovery: Saving Lives, Saving Dollars."
"We want to hold a celebration for all those people with substance abuse disorders that have overcome their dependence with the help of treatment and self-help programming,'' said Warden Kahn, an event organizer. "Unfortunately, due to limited treatment capacity, only a very small percentage of people needing and wanting treatment can get it. There are waiting lists to get into treatment (programs) all over the community."
The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with refreshments, followed by the singing of America the Beautiful, to be followed by speaking engagements by nationally renowned speakers Delbert Boon and Laurie Faulkerson on addiction recovery.
The second annual event will conclude with a candle-lighting ceremony.
It is part of a nationwide celebration of people recovering from substance abuse addictions.
Those sponsoring this year's event are Assisted Recovery Centers; Arch House; Baden Facility, Bridgeway Behavioral Health; Centerpointe; Chestnut Healthcare systems; Coalition on Addictions; COMTREA; Edgeway Program; First Step Recovery; FRESH Renewal Center; Hagar House; Harris House; Lindell Club; Missouri Community Task Forces; Missouri Recovery Network; National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; New Beginnings; North County Intergroup; Preferred Family Healthcare; Queen of Peace Center; St. Elizabeth's Medical Center; St. Louis Drug Court; St. Louis Drug Court Alumni Club; Salvation Army; and Southeast Missouri Community Treatment Center.
E-mail: mheil@yourjournal.com
