The theme for this year’s Recovery Month is, “Voices of Recovery: Together We Learn, Together We Heal”. The focus of Recovery Month is to encourage community support to promote treatment and recovery from substance use disorders.
The 2009 theme emphasizes the need to use all available resources in our community and on the internet, to educate people about the disease and to help those with substance use disorders, and those close to them get support. Opening dialogue about the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs on individuals, families, friends, and the community, we can provide hope, healing and better support those struggling with substance use disorders on their journey to sustained recovery and lead a healthier life. Substance use disorders does not discriminate and affects people from every walks of life in the community. Treatment and long-term recovery from substance use disorders can offer a re-newed outlook on life for those who are addicted and their family members.The community activities scheduled for this month include:• Weekly talk shows at the Public Health Forum on Mondays with T8AA/Echo Paradise. Guest speakers include counselors from Bedochel Center, Individuals in Recovery and other Public Health Professionals.• A 10K/5K Walkathon scheduled on September 19, 2009, to held at the National Track & Field Facility. This event includes give-a ways such as free t-shirts and towels. Raffle prizes and refreshment will be available for all participants.• During the month of September, the Bedochel Center located on the second floor of Masa Store across Desekel Market in Medalaii, will open its doors to the public to tour its facility in its effort to promote treatment and recovery from 1:00pm to 8:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Everyone are encouraged to take time from their busy schedule to visit the facility and learn more about treatment and recovery from substance use disorders and the various services being offered.• Stigma towards treatment programs, especially in Palau, can be a huge barrier for people in the community who want to seek help. For the 20th Anniversary of the National Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Addiction Recovery Month, September 2009, Bedochel Center has decided to address this issue by sponsoring a contest open to the community to rename their program. The announcement will be aired on the local radio stations and newspapers. Stay tuned for full details of the contest.• During the month of September, PNCC will be showing films about addiction and recovery to the community and will be aired on the local TV Channels. The films are geared towards educating the public about the treatment of substance use disorders and possible sustainable life long recovery.The public is encouraged to participate in these activities for Recovery Month, September 2009. Join in on the fun and educational experience. “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Learn and Together We Heal”.
