Solano County celebrates National Recovery Month

September 15, 2014

SOLANO COUNTY – September is National Recovery Month, and to celebrate, everyone is invited to the 13th Annual Prevention and Recovery Rally and BBQ on Sat., Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Allan Witt Park in Fairfield.  Bring the whole family for an afternoon of free food, music, prizes and guest speakers.

Sponsored locally by the Solano County Recovery and Prevention Alliance, the rally and BBQ are aimed to help further educate communities about the pathways to recovery and to support people in recovery.

People throughout Solano County are in various stages of recovery from mental and/or substance use disorders.  They are contributing members to local business, connecting with their families, and giving back to the community.  With the goal for more people to join these individuals on a path of recovery, the community needs to take action – now.

"Too many people are still unaware that treatment works, and that these conditions can be treated," says Andrew Williamson, Substance Abuse Administrator with Solano County Health and Social Services.  “Just as we can treat other chronic, recurring health disorders, we need to work together to make recovery the expectation.”

Under the Affordable Care Act, the Medi-Cal healthcare expansion has extended insurance to nearly everyone, regardless of income, so that outpatient treatment is available to everyone who wants to participate.   Treatment works, and individuals who embrace recovery achieve improved mental and physical health, as well as stronger relationships and a sense of self-worth.

In 2012, more than 1.7 million people nationwide aged 12 and older received treatment for an illicit drug and alcohol use from a specialty facility.  Thanks to the treatment they received, these individuals have achieved healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally, and contribute in positive ways to their communities.

“Substance use disorders do not discriminate,” Williamson says.  “They affect people of all ethnicities, ages, genders, geographic regions, and socioeconomic levels.”

Individuals in recovery need the support of a welcoming community to help them on their path of long-term recovery. Fortunately, most people say they would think no less of a friend or relative if they discovered that person is in recovery from a mental and/or substance use disorder.

Come out to the 13th annual Prevention and Recovery Month Rally and BBQ on Sept. 20 in Allan Witt Park, 1741 W. Texas St., Fairfield, CA.  For more information contact Andrew Williamson at (707) 784-2226 and [email protected]