Franklin County Commissioners Issue Recovery Month Proclamation

This morning, the Franklin County Commissioners signed a proclamation recognizing September 2018 as Recovery Month. 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.  It is important that our community continues its efforts within prevention, treatment and recovery.

“We believe in recovery. It’s important for us to help bring awareness to the challenges involved for people who are trying to do better,” said Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller.

Throughout the month of September, many communities nationwide recognize National Recovery Month, inspiring and advocating for individuals and families who are seeking help.  This year’s Recovery Month theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery:  Invest in Health, Home, Purpose, and Community,” reinforces that recovery is a comprehensive journey to wellness.

“It’s important that the momentum we’ve established thus far in Franklin County be carried over to tomorrow, and the next day, week, and year,” said Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol Administrator April Brown. “We all have the potential to make a difference and be visible, vocal, and valuable in helping to spread the message that recovery is possible.”

All citizens of Franklin County are encouraged to participate in recovery events around the county to support our community members who are in need of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services, while also celebrating the accomplishments of individuals who are in recovery.

Recovery Month Events:

• International Overdose Awareness Day event on Friday, August 31^st from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. located at Mercersburg Lions Club Park, 405 S. Park Avenue, Mercersburg,  PA

• 2^nd Annual Loved and Lost Vigil on Friday, August 31^st at 8pm located at Main St. Park, 25 E. Main St., Waynesboro, PA

• Esther House’s Open House event on Saturday, September 1^st from 10:00 a.m. – 8 p.m. located at 112 Walnut Street, Waynesboro, PA

• Family fun day, “Breaking The Chains of Addictions”  with Featured Guest Speaker Tim Ryan: A&E’s “Dope Man,” and National Thought Leader on the Opioid Epidemic on Saturday,  September 22^nd  from 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Noah’s House located at  2138 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg

• Celebrate Recovery’s “Connection Event” on Saturday, September 22^nd from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. located at Five Forks BIC Church, 9244 Five Forks Road, Waynesboro, PA.  Register online at www.ffbic.org/ministries/celebrate-recovery/

• “3^rd Annual Franklin County Lights of Hope Candle Light Vigil & Walk” on Sept. 7, 2018 from 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Chambers Fort Park in Downtown Chambersburg (candles will be provided) commencing with a Proclamation from the Mayor of Chambersburg, Walter C. Bietsch  

• The Franklin County Overdose Task Force’s 'Recovery Is Possible' Awareness Campaign:
• September 1, 2018 launch with the message “Recovery is Possible” on billboards in Chambersburg, Waynesboro, Mercersburg and Marion/Greencastle/State Line
• Purple light installations to be located in Waynesboro and Chambersburg:
• Waynesboro Parklet on Main Street will be turned on at the “2^nd Annual Loved and Lost Vigil” in Waynesboro on Friday, August 31, 2018
• Downtown Chambersburg will include purple lights strung on the tree trunks of approximately 70 trees that line Main Street and the Memorial Fountain in downtown Chambersburg will also be up-lighted with the color purple, starting September 1, 2018
• The Summit Health building on 5^th Avenue in Chambersburg and the Waynesboro Hospital will also be up-lighted the color purple

Please visit FranklinCoOverdoseTaskForce.org for more information.

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

If you have any questions regarding the events listed above, please contact Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol at 717-263-1256 or via email at ffda@franklincountypa.gov  for more information.

On Tuesday morning, a proclamation was read in front of the courthouse naming September as Recovery Month in Franklin County.

Return to list.