Special to Iredell Free News
The 4th Annual Iredell County Walk for Recovery will be on Sunday, September 12, at Troutman’s ESC Park.
The 2019 event attracted over 750 people, and organizers hope to exceed that number this year as the event spreads the word about recovery, prevention, treatment and education assistance related to substance use and mental illness issues during National Recovery Month.
This free, family-friendly event, featuring a concert by The Audiophiles, celebrates the hope and healing that comes with recovery from substance use and mental illness.
The event will be from 4 to 7 p.m. ESC Park is located at 338 North Avenue (behind Troutman Town Hall).
Register for the event at Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-iredell-walk-for-recovery-tickets-165662130893). Registering helps organizers determine how much food to order.
EVENT DETAILS
The Audiophiles will be rocking out a wide variety of danceable songs from the 1970s through today, and Billy Buck from WAME radio will serve as emcee.
The “walk” around ESC Park will honor those in recovery. As attendees visit vendors around the field, they can complete punch cards at each booth to be eligible for prize drawings.
Several speakers will also share their personal recovery stories.
Kids’ activities include face painting, magician, balloon animals, arts and crafts, splash pad, and other games. Free T-shirts and information booths about substance use and mental health treatment, education, recovery, and support services are also planned.
Free hamburgers, hotdogs, and side items, prepared by G4G Ministries, will also be served. Water was donated by Niagara Bottling.
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
This outdoor event will follow all local, state, and federal restrictions in effect at the time. Hand sanitizer and masks will be available, and social distancing is encouraged. All food will be prepared and distributed with highest safety standards in place.
If gathering restrictions are imposed before the event or community COVID-19 numbers surge to prohibitive levels, organizers may revamp the event to a drive-thru format. Some planned activities may also have to be modified or eliminated.
Vendors and agencies would distribute information and giveaways to each vehicle, along with distribution of meals, T-shirts, and door prizes. An information area for individuals with questions will also be available.
The Audiophiles concert and recovery speakers would be live-streamed, and parking will be available to those who wish to park and listen in person from their vehicle area.
If event modification is necessary, organizers will publicize changes on Eventbrite and the event website and Facebook page.
2021 SPONSORS
Special thanks and appreciation goes to the generous sponsors who make this event possible.
♦ Platinum Level: Drug-Alcohol Coalition of Iredell, Partners Health Management, Piedmont HealthCare, PQA Healthcare Inc., Southern Family Medicine.
♦ Gold Level: Addiction Recovery Medical Services (ARMS), Fifth Street Ministries, Iredell Free News, WAME.
♦ Silver Level: Jodi Province Counseling.
♦ Bronze Level: Cedar Stump Pub, Center for Emotional Health, Daymark, Integrated Care of Greater Hickory, Iredell Health System, Mitchell Community College, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Sawyer Insurance, Tobacco Free Alliance, Turning Point Family Services.
ABOUT NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH
Each September, SAMHSA sponsors National Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders, and celebrate the individuals living in recovery.
This year’s theme is “RECOVERY IS FOR EVERYONE: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.”
Now in its 32nd year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.
Recovery Month works to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.
The observance will work to highlight inspiring stories that help thousands of people from all walks of life find the path to hope, health, and wellness.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
♦ Website: https://sites.google.com/view/iredellcountywalkforrecovery/
♦ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IREDELLWALKFORRECOVERY/
♦ Eventbrite (free registration): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-iredell-walk-for-recovery-tickets-165662130893