| | America Celebrates Recovery It is such a joy to see recovery communities all over the nation coming out to celebrate recovery achievements and milestones during September, National Recovery Month. They are getting the recognition that they truly deserve as worthy citizens of this country.
Recovery Month in Atlanta  | | Dr. Simbo Olanusi-Babatope, MD, FASAM (Left) , Publisher of Recovery Solutions Magazine, with Georgia Governor, Sonny Perdue (Center) and others for proclamation of Recovery Month, Atlanta, Georgia, September 2006. |
Running for Recovery in New York  Odyssey House hosted its inaugural Run for Your Life 5K Fun Run - 2 Mile Walk on Saturday, September 23, 2006 at Icahn Stadium in New York City. Over a thousand Odyssey House friends, supporters and other NYC based treatment agencies came out to run or walk in support of National Recovery Month.
 WCBS-TV, Ch. 2 Weekend Anchor Kirstin Cole joined Odyssey House as the event emcee. Cole often covers stories that show individuals in recovery in a positive light.
Family and friends of residents in treatment at Odyssey House took part in the race as well. Many were happy to see their loved ones in recovery and taking part in such a healthy, positive activity. This family-friendly community event included free T-shirts, prizes, a raffle, music, and refreshments. All proceeds benefit men, women and children in treatment at Odyssey House.
 "We hope this annual event will continue to bring friends of Odyssey House together for a fun-filled day," said Dr. Peter Provet, President of Odyssey House.
The Fun Run incorporated two important aspects of the Odyssey House treatment program family involvement and physical fitness. Physical fitness has recently emerged as an important part of the Odyssey House enhanced treatment model. Physical well-being has a positive impact on the recovery process. Recreational activities, like running, help Odyssey House residents to stay fit, develop self confidence by achieving personal goals, and feel like they are a part of something larger.
 Odyssey House provides quality substance abuse treatment, mental health, medical and housing services to vulnerable New Yorkers. Family-focused residential and outpatient treatment meets the needs of women with children, adolescents, young adults, the mentally ill, the homeless, people with HIV/AIDS and senior citizens. For more information about Odyssey House programs and services visit: www.odysseyhouseinc.org.
Recovery Month in Maryland  | | Participants are underway at the 1st annual 5K Recovery Run/Walk, Byrd Park, Snow Hill, Maryland, September 19, 2006. |
On September 19, 2006 the first annual 5K Recovery Run/Walk was held at Byrd Park, in Snow Hill, MD, benefiting the Worcester County Drug Court Division. This event was held on "Rally for Recovery" day during Recovery Month. Year one of this annual fund-raiser for the drug treatment court programs was definitely a success. On this rainy morning about 40 people participated in the event while another 20 volunteered their time. Joy Gill, Executive Director, NCADD Maryland, officiated the event by sharing some thoughts about recovery awareness and issues across the Lower Shore of Maryland.  |  | | Participants get ready for 5K Recovery Run/Walk, Byrd Park, Snow Hill, Maryland, September 19, 2006. |  |  | | More participants get ready for 5K Recovery Run/Walk, Byrd Park, Snow Hill, Maryland, September 19, 2006. |
Message Carriers 1st Annual Celebration for Recovery Walk and Picnic in Pennsylvania  | | Message Carriers held its 1st Annual Celebration for Recovery Walk and Picnic, South Park, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, September 16th, 2006. |
Message Carriers held its 1st Annual Celebration for Recovery Walk and Picnic on September 16, 2006 at South Park, in Allegheny County. This event was a collaborative initiative held with other advocacy organizations nationally, such as Faces & Voices of Recovery.
To show this collaborative effort Faces and Voices of recovery sent us a banner to represent unity. There were approximately three hundred people who participated in this momentous event.
 The walk began at 10:30 am with forty Honor Guards, consisting of people with ten years or more in recovery or a family members to show that long term recovery exist and that people can and do recover.
The picnic began around 12:00 noon with prayer by Reverend Marcus Harvey of Mt. Gilead Recovery Church, in Braddock, PA. There was the reading of three proclamations in support of recovery from the City of Pittsburgh's new Mayor Mr. Luke Ravenstahl, Allegheny County Chief Executive, Mr. Dan Onorato and our state Governor, Mr. Edward G. Rendell.
These proclamations were delivered by Reverend J. David Else, Executive Director of Center for Spirituality in Twelve Step Recovery, Ms. Pat Valentine, Deputy Director of Office of Behavioral Health and Ms. Robin H. Spencer, Director of Message Carriers respectively. Mrs. Sheryl Laffey gave a message of hope for long term recovery that empowered, encouraged and informed the audience about their rights as first class citizens.
 There was plenty of food, fun and activities for everyone to enjoy. A few activities that Ms Linda Patton the chair of this event and Ms. Fran Hines provided for children were the giant gym bounce and face painting. Musical entertainment was provided by Message Carriers Choir, Kathi Hickling and her recovery band. In addition, to the entertainment we were honored to have the Anointed Balms of Gilead Mime Group under direction Ms. Melani Shears. Some of our folks even rode the horses at the park.
There were several treatment facilities that supported this joyous event throughout Allegheny County. This was a great day for all as well as another event to demonstrate that people in recovery and their family members are not viewed as second class citizens because some required support along life's journey. We at Message Carriers are proud to be that support! For more pictures, check out www.messagecarriers.org.
Recovery Month in Philadelphia PRO- ACT (Pennsylvania Recovery Organization Achieving Community Together) acknowledged National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month with its 5th annual walk for recovery from alcoholism and other drug addictions, Recovery Walks! 2006, on Sunday September 17th. Recovery Walks! Is a three mile walk on Kelly Drive at historic Boathouse Row in Philadelphia.
 When this event began five years ago, some suggested that people would not participate because of the social stigma attached to addiction. They were wrong. Recovery Walks! has grown from 200 walkers in 2001 to the staggering number of participants it draws today. Over 2,000 people attended Recovery Walks 2006!
"It was breath taking to look out and see a sea of people proudly celebrating recovery and management of this illness. Addiction is finally being treated like any other disease. And because these individuals are willing to stand up against stigma, we have been able to increase awareness of the reality and benefits of recovery," said Beverly Haberle, PRO-ACT program director and executive director of the Bucks County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.
"What an amazing day and what a tribute to the work of PRO-ACT its host organization, our NCADD (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) affiliate Bucks County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence," said Robert J. Lindsey, President of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence to the crowd of people celebrating.
 In order to show that individuals in recovery do lead productive and responsible lives, the Walk was lead by individuals who have been in recovery for 10 years or more each. They formed the Honor Guard. These individuals collectively represented 1,000 years of recovery from addiction.
"Philadelphia is a city that thrives on stories of inspiration and battling against the odds," said Dr. Arthur C. Evans Jr., Director of the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation Services.
Walk participants will inspire others to speak out and seek recovery in addition to helping educate the public that life long recovery is attainable.
Awesome Soberstock in Fresno, California  | | Car and Bicycle show in the Fourth Annual, Recovery Happens: Soberstock, Manchester Center, Fresno, California, September 2nd, 2006. |
 For the last four years, a group of concerned individuals and organizations in Fresno, California have joined the nation to recognize September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. The Recovery Month effort aims to promote the societal benefits of alcohol and drug use disorder treatment, laud the contributions of treatment providers and promote the message that recovery from alcohol and drug use disorders in all its forms is possible.
The group (who now call themselves) "Community Partners 4 Recovery" (CP4R) have really outdone themselves in bringing forth a spectacular yet successful event with music, food, special recognitions, information booths, as well as a car and bicycle show. The "Fourth Annual, Recovery Happens: Soberstock" drew in over 2,000 people, with 57 information booths to the Manchester Center in Fresno, California on Saturday, September 2nd, 2006. "This years event was even better than last years, thanks to the Bicycle and Car Shows, the awesome Music, and the coordinating efforts of the CP4R group" said John Duchscher, Senior Substance Abuse Specialist with the Fresno County Department of Behavior Health. This year the list of participants included Alcohol and Drug Program Providers, Faith Based, Non Profits, County, City and Private organizations. The event created an atmosphere of unity, hard work, collaboration and willingness to believe in people that want to make changes in their life. By recognizing those who are committed to change, especially after going through some difficult times using tobacco, alcohol and/or other drugs, CP4R gives them hope and believes in them. "Many people who are in recovery struggle to regain the trust and love of their family, friends, and the community at large, and because of this they lose faith in themselves. We have to demonstrate to them that we do believe in them, and understand what they are going through," said Lynn Pimentel, of WestCare.
 For the last four years, Community Partners 4 Recovery has been coordinating two major events, and in 2005, the group unanimously selected a name (CP4R). The two major events the group picked are: Alcohol Awareness Month in April and National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Happens Month in September. The group consists of: Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health, Alcoholics Anonymous, Comprehensive Addiction Program, Fresno County Hispanic Commission, West Care, Feed My Sheep Ministries, Foundation First, Recovery Solutions Magazine, among others. We would like to express our appreciation for the numerous hours of donated time by local musicians such as Dougy V and Friends, Resting In the Lord, Ice for Christ, D Note, Rolo, Running Iron, Dawny Reb and Heir's Apparent have made the event an absolute success. Very special thanks also go out to Pastor Bruce Hood from Feed My Sheep Ministries for coordinating a spectacular Car and Bicycle Show.
Recovery Month in Florida  | | The Starting Point Ministries, Inc. hosted the City of Tallahassee's first annual Recovery walk, Tallahassee, Florida, September 8th, 2006. | 
On September 8th, 2006, the Starting Point Ministries Inc hosted the City of Tallahassee's first annual Recovery walk. The event was a great success participants came from surrounding cities to make up 100-125 walkers.
Participants walked down the main streets holding banners high singing songs and chanting Recovery Works. 
Testimonies were given on the State Capitol Steps by the recovery community and a proclamations were read from the State Governors office along with the City of Tallahassee Mayor office. A day of food famliy and fun. We look to next year for even a big and better event.
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