By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Since 1989, Recovery Month has been held each September to promote awareness for substance use recovery. Tuesday morning, the Barton County Commission signed a proclamation to recognize the month locally. Rise Up Central Kansas Director Amy Ferguson said substance misuse costs society some $820 billion annually and explained the importance of programs like Rise Up Central Kansas.
"We connect people to resources," she said. "We have the ability to actually transport now, so we can take people to 12-step meetings, inpatient/outpatient, anything they need that will get them to the place they need to get and remain in recovery."
Ferguson said Rise Up Central Kansas is one of the local resources for recovery and resilience-based services. The organization has built a durable network of physical, mental, and behavioral health services. Rise Up Peer Navigator Sharr Hamby said shining light on substance use is one of the first steps to combat it.
"People can and do recover every day," she told the commission. "Through Recovery Month initiatives, people become aware and are better able to recognize the signs of substance use and mental health disorders. Activities are geared toward encouraging people in need of recovery services to seek help. Managing the effects of these conditions helps individuals achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and mentally."
Recovery Out Loud, Every Voice Matters will hold its third annual event at Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend on Friday, Sept. 22. A Narcan walk begins at 5:30 p.m. with the program to follow.