The City of Las Cruces Mayor’s Suicide Prevention Task Force, along with a collaborative group of agencies and organizations have joined forces to present the third Annual Recovery Celebration on Friday, September 6th on the Plaza de Las Cruces to honor National Recovery Month.
“The Recovery Celebration is a chance for the community to come together to recognize the struggles and successes of individuals living with behavioral health challenges and those who are living in recovery,” said City Councilor Kasandra Gandara, who serves on the Mayor’s Suicide Prevention Task Force.
The Celebration will kick off with guest speakers at 5 p.m. at the City of Las Cruces Council Chambers, followed by the Recovery Walk to the Plaza de Las Cruces at 5:30 p.m. The festivities on the Plaza will commence at 6 p.m. featuring music, entertainment, free food, face painting, balloons, and community providers. There will also be educational opportunities on mental illness, Narcan, Naloxone and suicide prevention.
“We want this event to be a true celebration to honor those in recovery,” said Monique Lopez, Program Director for Families & Youth, Inc., “And, we hope the community will join us to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use, which prevents people from getting help.”
As part of the event, La Clinica de Familia will be hosting a Recovery Night Poster Contest, and a Memorial Wall will be available to honor loved ones affected by mental health and addiction conditions. The public can bring photos or items to share on the Wall. For more information about the contest and wall, please contact Maria Inez Bagwell at (575) 312-2348 or mariabagwell1@gmail.com.
Funding for the Recovery Celebration was provided in-part by: New Mexico Behavioral Health Services Division-ROSC, City of Las Cruces, Families & Youth, Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield,
Western Sky Community Care, Zia Recovery, La Casa, Amador Health Center, Shadow Mountain Recovery, Mesilla Valley Hospital, CARE-Cancer Aid Research & Education, NAMI-SNM, View Point Rehabilitation LLC, La Clinica de Familia, Integrative Counseling Services, Santa Fe Grill, and Vista Taos Renewal Center.
About National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month is celebrated every September and is sponsored by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The goal is to recognize the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment and to promote the message that recovery is possible. More information may be found at recoverymonth.gov.