On National Recovery Month, Erie invited the District Attorney’s Office and the Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse to the Booker T. Washington Center.
The community event highlighted what recovery looks like right here in our city.
Neighbors were brought together at the Booker T. Washington Center, using the day to show support while creating an environment that felt close, familiar, and accessible while helping to break the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery.
“And I think there’s a lot of stigmas. People wonder who is affected by it and who isn’t. By having all these community vendors together and bringing people in recovery together to network, it gives people a lot of help and makes it a safer space in the community to talk about it.” Katrina Turner, from “The Retired Party Girl” organization that celebrates recovery said.
Services and resources were available for people to learn more about treatment, prevention, and recovery programs. A vigil displayed empty chairs as a visual reminder of the lives lost to addiction and gave attendees a moment to honor those who are no longer with us.
Speakers also took the microphone to share their stories of addiction and recovery. The event served as a celebration of those overcoming addiction and beginning new chapters in their lives.
Three years ago, Erie did not have a formal recovery initiative. Staff say the program is one of only nine in the state and was created after leaders identified a gap in services. While prevention and treatment programs already existed, the recovery component was missing. Friday’s event was designed to help fill that gap and show people where they can turn for support.
“It’s vital that not only do we get people to a healthy place, but we keep them there. There’s an argument to be made that that’s the most important piece.” Theresa Laird, The Project Coordinator for the Regional Recovery HUB Erie County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Office said.
Community partners and county staff spent time discussing ways to make treatment access easier and more available to the public.
They also emphasized that recovery support does not end when the event does.
For more information about recovery resources and services, visit eriecountypa.gov/departments/human-services/drug-and-alcohol-abuse