Barstow, MD – For the 25th year in a row September has been designated “Recovery Month” nationwide, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported. This year several Calvert County entities, led by Calvert Substance Abuse Services (CSAS), which is under the auspices of the Calvert County Health Department; and Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA); will be collaborating to commemorate the month with a special event.
According to CSAS Prevention Coordinator Julie Boutaugh, Calvert’s first annual “On Track to Recovery” will be held Saturday, Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The county is holding its first-ever recovery event to “bring people together to celebrate recovery,” said Boutaugh, who explained the “eight dimensions of wellness” would be the focus. The dimensions are environmental, intellectual, social, financial, spiritual, occupational, emotional and physical. “It’s a holistic approach to recovery,” said Boutaugh.
The four-hour event will be at Calvert High School (CHS) on Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick.
The vendors, who will have tables set up around the CHS track, have connections to the eight dimensions of wellness. Boutaugh said last week that 25 vendors had committed to the On Track to Recovery event with a few more expected.
Recovery from substance abuse, whether it be drugs or alcohol, is a continuous process. “There is no cure,” said CAASA Coordinator Candace D’Agostino. “You have to deal with it and work through it. You are always in recovery. I think every person is different in their path to recovery.”
Boutaugh is hoping the event attendees—those in recovery, along with family and friends—can develop “coping skills” through the interaction with the vendors.
Even individuals who are not in treatment for an addiction, in recovery or acquainted with someone dealing with a substance abuse problem will want to attend the Sept. 13 event.
“The ‘Wellness Wheel’ is helpful for everybody,” said Boutaugh. The vendors include the Southern Maryland Job Source Mobile Career Center, University of Maryland Financial Literacy, Barstow Acres Children’s Center, the College of Southern Maryland, Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans and Wilson Ennis Clubhouse.
There will also be several family-oriented activities at On Track to Recovery, including face-painting, a three-point shot contest, moon bounce, door prizes and giveaways. The concession stand will be run by the CHS Athletic Boosters and proceeds will benefit that organization.
Boutaugh said approximately 50 drawings known as a “recovery bridge” will be on display at the event. She explained those who are in recovery draw a picture of a bridge depicting their struggle to recover. It includes “where they were, where they are now, who supported them and where they see themselves.” The bridge drawings will be displayed on the stadium fence.
“We want to encourage people to bring their entire families,” said Boutaugh.
“I think anything they find will be helpful,” D’Agostino added.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com