Contact: Wisconsin Voices for Recovery
Caroline Miller, Director, 608-977-0673 or cmmiller5@wisc.edu
Recovery from mental health and substance use disorders is possible
MADISON – Wisconsin Voices for Recovery, with support from Connections Counseling, Stop Heroin Now, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, will host its fourth annual Rally for Recovery September 23 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Wisconsin State Capitol. This is a free event. All are invited to attend.
“There are tens of thousands of Wisconsin residents whose lives have been transformed through recovery,” said Wisconsin Voices for Recovery Director Caroline Miller. “They have reconnected with family and friends. They have built strong, healthy relationships in their communities. They’re gainfully employed and contributing to Wisconsin’s economic well-being. They give back by helping others who are seeking recovery.”
The Rally for Recovery is Wisconsin’s largest celebration of National Recovery Month, which is observed every September. The Rally for Recovery provides an opportunity to share the successes of individuals in recovery, learn more about the recovery resources available in Wisconsin, and laud the efforts of treatment providers, peer supporters, and others who help individuals achieve wellness.
The theme for Recovery Month 2017 is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Strengthen Families and Communities.” In support of this theme, the Rally for Recovery brings together individuals in recovery, their families, and their friends as well as public officials, treatment providers, and others to further the understanding of the importance of behavioral health and increase awareness of the availability of services for those in need.
Highlights of this year’s program include:
- 11:00 a.m.: Performance by the Ho Chunk Drumming Circle
- 11:25 a.m.: Moment of silence for individuals who lost their lives before they could experience recovery
- 11:50 a.m.: Remarks from Attorney General Brad Schimel
- 12:15 p.m.: Remarks from Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch
- 12:30 p.m.: Performance by the UW Marching Band
- 12:40 p.m.: Remarks from Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney
- 1:55 p.m.: Presentation of the Wisconsin Voices of Recovery Award
Staff from organizations providing treatment and support to individuals in recovery, along with recovery coaches, will be available throughout the day as part of the annual resource fair.
Trainings on the use of naloxone will be held several times during the rally. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
Visit the Wisconsin Voices for Recovery website and Facebook page for more information.
Caroline Miller
Director, Wisconsin Voices for Recovery
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Division of Continuing Studies
cmmiller5@wisc.edu
608-977-0673