“Voices for Recovery” to Educate Community on Substance Use Prevention and Treatment

 Child & Family Center and the Way Out Recovery will hold “Voices for Recovery” on Thursday, September 27, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Center’s main site: 21545 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita. The free community event will feature a resource fair from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by two panel presentations from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The goal is to educate the community while supporting people in recovery and draw attention to critical prevention, treatment, and recovery support services available.
Resource presenters include College of the Canyons, Henry Mayo Wellness, Domestic Violence Program of Child & Family Center, Valley Recovery, among others.
The first panel of speakers will describe the impact of mental health issues and substance use disorders on the community. The panel of experts includes Larry Schallert, Assistant Director Student Health & Wellness/ MH Program at COC; Amy Spahr, Clinical Director of Valley Recovery Center; an EMT First Responder from AMR; and psychiatrists who specialize in treating substance use.
The second panel features five individuals in varying stages of recovery, who will share their personal first-hand experiences in their journey to recovery.
“Our goal is to highlight inspiring stories that help thousands of people from all walks of life find the path to hope, health, and wellness. In addition, our message is that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover,” said Charity Wabuke, Child & Family Center Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program Manager.
“It is critical that people experiencing mental and substance use disorders receive the support they need. The reality is that behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover,” explained Wabuke.
The event is part of Recovery Month, a national observance sponsored by SAMHSA, (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). The observance raises awareness of mental health issues and substance use disorders, celebrates individuals in long-term recovery, and acknowledges the work of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services
This year’s theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home, Purpose, and Community,” and explores how integrated care, a strong community, sense of purpose, and leadership contributes to effective treatment that sustain the recovery of persons with mental health issues and substance use disorders.
For more information on the event please contact Cheryl Jones at Child & Family Center, 661-255-6847 x3018.