Communities, Egyptian Health celebrate National Recovery Month

Surrounded by employees of the Egyptian Health Department, Mayors Dale Fowler of Harrisburg, Rocky James of Eldorado, and Rebecca Mitchell of Ridgway each signed proclamations declaring September 2016 as National Recovery Month in their cities.

Substance abuse is the single biggest health concern in the Egyptian Health Department service area, but those who have overcome their addictions are pillars in the community, Susan Oxford, manager of the Substance Abuse Program, said

"People who have maintained long-term sobriety and live a recovery lifestyle are important assets in our community to have (for) those who are seeking treatment and to those who are trying to be free of drugs and alcohol," Oxford said.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, it was estimated that in 2014, more than 7.9 million U.S. adults aged 18 and older had co-occurring mental illnesses and substance use disorders, and 21.5 million people aged 12 and older were classified with substance dependence or abuse in the past year.

These numbers are not unfamiliar in the Egyptian Health Department coverage area, which includes treatment and intervention services in Saline, Gallatin, and White counties.

Oxford said, the most frequent sources of substance abuse are prescription medication, opioids, and heroin.

Gajef McNeill, a contract manager with the Bureau of Management and Operations praised the Recovery program at Egyptian Health.

"It's important because we need access. In areas like this down here, the need is there, but access is very critical," McNeill said. "We have to try to the best of our ability to support organizations in remote areas like this. There's a serious problem in the country with addiction, and it's important that we keep that access."

Angie Hampton, CEO of Egyptian Health stated that September is an important month to the health department, because of their work with substance abuse.

"It's a huge thing in our community, and it takes all of us to support individuals on their road to recovery," Hampton said.