On September 5, 2017, Patrick Shannon, President of the RCASA Board of Directors along with Sherri Vandenakker (Board Co-Secretary), Joanne Senders (Board Member), and Erica McNamara (RCASA Director) accepted the Reading Recovery Month proclamation at the Board of Selectmen meeting. In September, Recovery Month, and throughout the year, RCASA spreads the message that – Behavioral health is essential to health. Prevention works. Treatment is effective. People recover.
This year’s Recovery Month theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Strengthen Families and Communities,” encourages communities to be socially inclusive, offering those in need of recovery support the chance to seek help, lend a hand, and contribute to their community as citizens, parents, employees, students, volunteers, and leaders. Communities can improve the lives of those in recovery by extending opportunities for meaningful daily activities, such as jobs, school, volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors.
How can people participate in Reading Recovery Month?
RCASA along with community partners is hosting a variety of events and activities throughout September. Learn more at www.reading.k12.ma.us/community/rcasa
All month • Reading Clergy Council
Prayers for those in recovery and to remember those we have lost – Church of the Good Shepherd, Old South Methodist & First Congregational Church crafting ‘Project Linus blankets’ – Anti-Stigma Promotion at all Reading churches
9/10/17 • 12-5pm • Downtown • Reading Fall St. Faire • Visit our RCASA booth 9/18/17 • 12pm • Reading Public Schools • RCASA Visits Reading Rotary
9/20/17 • 7:30-9am • Fusion Restaurant • Substance Abuse and the Workplace RCASA & Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce, $15ea for members
9/22/17 & 9/23/17 • First Congregational Church Annual Faire & RCASA Blanket-making
9/26/17 • 6-7:30pm • Reading Memorial High School • Regional Voices for Recovery & Remembrance Candlelight Vigil sponsored by the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition representing Medford, Malden, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield and Winchester
9/28/17 • 7-9pm • Reading Memorial High School • 11th Annual RCASA Meeting Featuring Marian Ryan (Middlesex District Attorney) and Dr. Ruth Potee (Board Certified in Family and Addiction Medicine)
Where can people find treatment for mental and/or substance use disorders?
Many treatment options exist. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Behavioral Health Treatments and Services webpage, www.samhsa.gov/treatment, helps people find mental and substance use disorder treatment facilities and programs across the country. SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or 1-800-487-4889 (TDD), provides 24-hour, free, and confidential information about mental and substance use disorders, and prevention, treatment, and recovery referrals in English and Spanish.
The Town of Reading, with coordination by the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (RCASA) has invested in a contract with the William James College INTERFACE Referral Service to reduce barriers to accessing mental health services. Reading residents may call to consult with a mental health professional, free of charge, about resources and/or receive personalized matched referrals based on insurance, location, type of provider needed, and availability. The Helpline is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm at 617-332-3666 X1411 or 1-888-244-6843 X1411. Visit: www.interface.williamjames.edu
Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Learn more at www.recoverymonth.gov
