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No more 'stigma and shame': Leaders put focus on importance of Recovery Month

Foster's Daily Democrat - 9/15/2021

Sep. 15—DOVER — SOS Recovery, peer-assisted recovery support services for individuals seeking or maintaining recovery from substance use, is raising awareness in honor of National Recovery Month.

Dover Mayor Bob Carrier, and local leaders of recovery and mental health organizations, raised a recovery month flag in front of City Hall Tuesday afternoon, as a way to spread hope across the community for recovery from substance use and mental health disorders.

Mary Boisse, a family and workplace recovery manager for SOS Recovery Community Organization and Goodwin Community Health, said substance use and mental health disorders impact people at all levels in the community. She said the flags act as a "symbol of hope and unspoken support" to those in the community who are in recovery, know someone in recovery, or are in need of resources.

"Recovery Month tries to shine a positive light on recovery to shift the narrative and the stigma surrounding substance use disorder," Boisse said. "Our intention with celebrating Recovery Month is to show that talking about these important health issues and acknowledging the impact they have on all of us is not something that should be hidden away behind a veil of stigma and shame, instead we need to come together to support each other through the hard times and celebrate the successes."

Suzanne Weete, from the Dover Mental Health Alliance, said support from SOS Recovery and DMHA "sends a very powerful message substance use disorders and mental health challenges are interconnected and hope is possible for both."

"The connection between substance use disorders, mental health challenges and mental illness is very strong," Weete said. "One challenge may lead to the other, or vice versa. As a community we must learn and promote that recovery from substance use disorders and mental health challenges are possible, even probable. For those in recovery or managing a mental illness, you are not alone and help is available."

Somersworth planned to hold a similar flag raising at Citizen's Place Wednesday at 5 p.m.

The third annual SOS Recovery Rally at Henry Law park happened Saturday, Sept. 11, at Henry Law Park.

John Burns, executive director of SOS, said they had a great turnout.

"We had 35 exhibitors for prevention and treatment programs," said Burns. "We had mental health resources like Seacoast Mental Health Center, Waypoint and Community Action representatives."

The event recognized the 32nd anniversary of National Recovery Month.

"Events like these help to put a positive face behind substance use efforts," Burns said. "It goes a long way to help reduce the stigma by bringing in the community. That's politically important in New Hampshire right now because the state fiscal committee will be voting on accepting $6.2 million in federal funds this week."

Burns is concerned the outcome of the vote may be in question, because some of the committee members have doubts about the effectiveness of treatment programs.

"It is really important to educate the community," Burns said. "Treatment, prevention and recovery programs all work together. We are hopeful that money is accepted, and why not? It's federal funding and we can put it to great use. Without it, there is the potential of shutting down centers and that would be disastrous."

Those in need of recovery resources can call the state help line 211 or SOS Recovery's Support Service Line at 603-932-5411.

Those facing mental health crisis or challenges can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24/7) 1-800-273-TALK (8255), NH Crisis Addiction Line: 2-1-1, or reach out to the Dover Mental Health Alliance or NAMI New Hampshire to be connected to services.

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(c)2021 the Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover, N.H.)

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