September is National Recovery Awareness Month, and the Spark Change Ambassadors followed the lead of some incredible organizations, such as SAMHSA and Victoria's Voice, who provide vital resources to those in need during their recovery.
Initiative Details
"Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life." All month long, our Ambassadors brought awareness to this important cause with a mission to let others who may be struggling or in recovery know, they are not alone, nor do they have to suffer or celebrate alone.
Voices of Recovery
This year's theme for National Recovery Month was Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections, focusing on reminding those in recovery and those who support them that we all have things worth celebrating and chapters we would have done differently. It is important to know that support in both seasons is so valuable.
"Your past doesn't define you, it refines you."
Webinar Series
In alignment with this year's them, SAMHSA hosted a variety of webinars that our Ambassadors not only had the honor of promoting, but we also had the pleasure of attending and learning from experts, doctors, social workers, families, and individuals in recovery on a variety of topics that directly and indirectly impact treatment. One webinar that made a huge impression on many of us was 'Communities Supporting Recovery,' where we were truly touched to learn from individuals in recovery the different ways their communities supported them and how vital it was to their continued success.
"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears."
For more information on SAMHSA and their efforts visit samhsa.gov and recoverymonth.gov
Victoria's Voice Foundation
In addition to celebrating those in recovery, our Ambassadors wanted to honor and bring awareness to organizations working towards prevention through education and legislation.
In addition to playing an active role in drug policy reform at the national, state and local levels and working to ensure first responders have access to lifesaving antidotes for opioid overdose, Victoria's Voice Foundation is dedicated to reaching teens through education and thus prevention.
They recently launched a new project, Social Media for Good, and are working with teen influencers through social media to reach millions and spread a positive message of being drug free and high on life.
"Addiction prevention SAVES LIVES!!"
To learn more about the Victoria's Voice Foundation and how to get involved click here.
Additional Resources
SAMHSA HOTLINE: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
"This National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7. 365 day a year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders."
Impact
By celebrating the gains made by those in recovery, we reinforce the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover. The Spark Change Ambassadors and the GLOW Together Foundation are honored and excited to celebrate those who are focused on their growth, and willing to invest in themselves to overcome and succeed.
If you are interested in joining this incredible team and becoming a Spark Change Ambassadors, please click here to learn more and to complete your application. If you have any questions or would like to discuss if the Spark Change Ambassador Program is right for you, please email us at info@glowtogetherfoundation.com.