News Detail

Commissioners Proclaim September 2020 as Recovery Month

Commissioners

September 22, 2020

Remote attendees join the Commissioners Meeting where many were wearing purple in support of the proclamation recognizing September 2020 as Recovery Month in Franklin County. Shown, left to right: District Attorney Matt Fogal, Deputy Coroner Ted Reed, Maggie Lloyd and John Lloyd of Noah’s House and Gracie’s Place, Commissioner John Flannery, Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol Administrator Christy Unger, Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski, Roxann Miller and Helen McGarry of Penn State Mont Alto.

On Wednesday, the Franklin County Commissioners signed a proclamation recognizing September 2020 as Recovery Month. This month is dedicated to celebrating the journey of all those in recovery and to offering hope to all who are struggling with, or who are affected by, substance use disorder.

The National Recovery Month theme for 2020 is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections.” This year has been challenging for so many, and even more so for those battling substance use disorder.

“Integrated care, strong communities, and opportunities for meaningful daily life sustain recovery and help lead those affected by substance use on a path to hope, healing, and wellness,” said Christy Unger, Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol Administrator. She discussed the importance of community support in the success of those who overcome addiction.

John Lloyd, Executive Director of Noah’s House and Gracie’s Place said, “Not one of us has made the decision to say I’m going to be a heroin addict or I’m going to be a junkie.” He talked about the need for peer support in the form of Certified Recovery Specialists (CRSs) and described them as “individuals that have walked the mile that we’re walking.”

This fall, Penn State Mont Alto will be offering a Certified Recovery Specialist course for individuals with a history of recovery and a passion to help others. Helen McGarry of Penn State Mont Alto said, “We are very proud to collaborate with Franklin County Drug & Alcohol to be able to provide this training that is approved through the Pennsylvania Certification Board.” Franklin County residents interested in being a CRS can receive a scholarship covering 80% of the cost of the course which is funded through the Drug and Alcohol department. For more information on this opportunity, contact Penn State Mont Alto Continuing Education at (717) 749-4117.

District Attorney Matt Fogal thanked the County for all of the support given on this issue. He said, “We’ve made great strides in this County recently over the years, but we still have a lot of work to do.”

The road to recovery is a daily challenge and a long-term path to wellness. Individuals who experience a mental health and/or substance use disorder can oftentimes feel isolated and alone. Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski commented, “There is a light at the end of the tunnel–sometimes it’s rather dim–but there is always light.” Commissioner Flannery gave his appreciation to all those in attendance for their work inspiring and advocating for individuals and families who are seeking help.

To learn about local treatment options, contact Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol at 717-263-1256 or ffda@franklincountypa.gov. For immediate help, the new toll-free hotline from PA Get Help Now, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), is available 24/7 throughout the Commonwealth.

“We encourage all residents of Franklin County to support our community members who are in need of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services as well as to celebrate the accomplishments of all those who are currently in recovery,” said Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller.

Show your support for those in recovery and display a purple light and sign in your yard this month!

Purple light bulbs and “Recovery Happens Together” yard signs can be picked up, free of charge, at the following locations:

Franklin County Human Services Building
425 Franklin Farm Lane
Chambersburg, PA 17201
8:30am – 4:30pm, M-F

Franklin County Commissioners’ Office
340 N. Second Street
Chambersburg, PA 17201
8:30am – 4:30pm, M-F

Mainstreet Waynesboro Office
13 W. Main Street
Waynesboro, PA 17268
717-762-0397
9am – 4pm, M-F

Save the date! A virtual town hall event hosted by Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol in conjunction with WellSpan Health called, “Celebrating Connections – Recovery Happens Together” will take place on September 28, 2020 at 3pm. This virtual town hall will feature local panelists from a variety of backgrounds/sectors, including the medical community, law enforcement, faith community, individuals in recovery, family members, and recovery supports. Call (717) 263-1256 for details.

Together, as a community, we can promote the positive message that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.