Iredell Walk for Recovery celebrates healing from substance misuse and mental health issues (Photo Gallery)

BY DEBBIE PAGE
PHOTOS BY DEBBIE PAGE AND LISA CRATES

Hundreds of people poured into the Iredell Walk for Recovery celebration at the South Iredell High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

This event, now in its seventh year, spreads the word about recovery, prevention, treatment, and education assistance related to substance and alcohol misuse and mental illness issues during National Recovery Month.

Guests enjoyed rocking tunes from the Uptown Party Band and visited with 40 vendors who provided information on community resources on mental health, substance misuse, recovery, and other helping agencies.

Families also feasted on hot dogs and sides, took photos at the photo booth, picked up free event T-shirts, and enjoyed a performance by the In His Steps dance troop.

Kids had fun at stations featuring face-painting, amazing balloon animals, magic tricks, games, crafts, and treats such as popcorn and snow cones.

The highlights of the event were three profound and inspiring recovery stories from mental health and substance use issues that showed the power of treatment, recovery support groups, and sheer human will and determination to get their lives and families healed and happy.

Casey Tucker, a peer support specialist with the Iredell EMS Community Response Support Team, was featured in the A Life In Recovery photo exhibit. Her misuse began with prescribed medication that led to addiction. Her powerful story drew a standing ovation from the crowd.

The adults who took a “walk” around the event area, visiting the vendors with their stamp card, were eligible for prizes drawn at the end of the event, including a large screen TV, air fryer, tool sets, coffee station, and other prizes.

This event would not have been possible without the support of generous sponsors. Platinum supporters were the Drug-Alcohol Coalition of Iredell, Foundation of Hope Ministries, ICGH-Statesville, Iredell-Statesville Schools, Partners Iredell Community Collaborative, PQA, Piedmont Healthcare, Restoration Road Ministry, and Southern Family Medicine.

Gold sponsors were Fifth Street Ministries, Food Lion, Iredell Free News, and NAMI. Mooresville Graded School District supported at the Silver level, with Foundry House, Sawyer Insurance, and Turning Point Family Services at the Bronze level.

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.

Now in its 36th year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease are celebrated.

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.