Matt Reisdorph, Substance and Abuse Treatment Coordinator, Lori Jennings-Harris, Aging & Human Services Director, Dr. Kathy O’Brien, Walden Sierra, CEO, Laura Webb, Walden Sierra, Cynthia Brown, Human Services Division Manager and Lori Werrell, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Health Connections Director are shown with commissioners following ceremony
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County have officially recognized September, 2014 as National Recovery Month. Now in its 25th year of observance, the month is meant to emphasize that “behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective and people recover.”
The theme for 2014 is Join the Voices for Recovery: Speak Up, Reach Out” and is meant to encourage people to speak openly about mental and substance use disorders and the reality of recovery.
According to the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 21 million persons aged 12 or older required treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem and 31.6 million adults aged 18 or older received mental health services.
Commissioners acknowledged the efforts of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration, St. Mary’s County Department of Aging and Human Services and Healthy St. Mary’s Partnership. They also encouraged all citizens to “Join the Voices for Recovery.”