Now in its 30th year, National Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live a healthy and rewarding life.
“Every September, tens of thousands of prevention treatment and recovery support programs around the country celebrate Recovery Month and share their stories of hope and recovery with their neighbors, friends and colleagues,” says John Burns, SOS director. “We invite everyone to join us at our Recovery Rally to celebrate the community around us and the 23 million people in the United States that are in recovery. The message of our Rally is hope and our purpose is to create awareness about the fact that recovery is not only possible, but is happening in our community.”
According to Burns, the family friendly event will feature inspirational speakers, music and a variety of other activities.
“We’re excited to have an amazing lineup of speakers as well as music and activities,” said Burns. Speakers include Michelle Lipinski, who is nationally known for her work as principal of Northshore Recovery High School, and she is a Dover city councilor.
“We also will have Jasmine Lamontagne sharing her personal experiences as a woman in recovery,” continued Burns. Lamontagne is host and one of the founders of the radio show Exit Team.
Emmett Soldati will be taking part and is a local business owner of Teatotaller in Somersworth.
Pam Chaffee of Dover, the mother of a child affected by substance misuse who died by suicide, will speak about her journey as a family member.
Gov. Chris Sununu, Sen. Maggie Hassan, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Congressman Chris Pappas have been invited, and the lineup of guests will also include state Sens. David Watters, James Gray, and Tom Sherman, according to Burns.
The SOS RCO Recovery Rally is being sponsored by Silver Sponsor Kennbunck Savings Bank; Bronze Sponsors NH Healthy Family and Wellsense Health Plan. Audio and sound sponsor New England Mobile Audio and Friends sponsors Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, DF Richard, and Newburyport Banks. Sponsor opportunities are still available. For information, contact Burns at jburns@goodwinch.org or (603) 516-2776. All proceeds from the event will benefit SOS RCO.
Information: SOSRCO.org or call (603) 841-2350.