September has been declared ‘Recovery Month’, putting the spotlight on substance abuse and mental health services. The Ministry of National Security and the Department for National Drug Control (DNDC) are leading a education drive in conjunction with treatment agencies across the island.

This year’s theme is “Join the voices for recovery: our families, our stories, our recovery.”

“The DNDC will use this month to educate Bermuda about substance use treatment and mental health services, which can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life,” explained a Government statement. “The observance reinforces the positive message that behavioural health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.”

Minister of national security Jeffrey Baron said: “There are hundreds of Bermudians whose lives have been transformed through recovery. Since these successes often go unnoticed by the broader population, Recovery Month 2016 provides a vehicle for everyone to celebrate these accomplishments.

“Each September, millions of prevention, treatment, and recovery programmes and facilities around the world celebrate National Recovery Month. They speak about the gains made by those in recovery and share their success stories with their neighbours, friends, and colleagues. In doing so, everyone helps to increase awareness and furthers a greater understanding about the diseases of mental and substance use disorders.”

Now in its 27th year, Recovery Month is aimed at highlighting the achievements of individuals who have reclaimed their lives in long-term recovery and honours the treatment and recovery service providers who make recovery possible.

“It also promotes the message that recovery, in all of its forms, is possible; and encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective prevention, treatment, and recovery services for those in need,” added the statement.

“This month is an opportunity to celebrate those individuals and their families who are committed to living a healthy and drug free lifestyle”.

Numerous activities have been planned throughout the month, including a football game, a special family and client event, and the BACB Counsellor of the Year Award ceremony.

Other highlights this month include:

September 14 — Royal Gazette advert highlighting the treatment services in Bermuda

September 20 — DNDC workshop entitled “From our family to yours”

September 24 — FOCUS No Booze Cruise

September 26 — Salvation Army Recovery Relay-Walk

September 28 — Turning Point Mini Fair and Entertainment Night

September 28 and 29 — Substance Abuse Prevention Faith Summit

The Department of National Drug Control has recognised their treatment and recovery partners: Alcoholics Anonymous, ? Bermuda Addiction Certification Board, Bermuda Assessment and Referral, Department of Court Services, Bermuda Professional Counselling Services ( DUI Programme), Drug Treatment Court, FOCUS Counselling Services, Lifeskills and Counselling (Department of Child and Family Services), Narcotics Anonymous, Nelson Bascome Substance Abuse Treatment, Facility (Men’s and Women’s Programmes) — Department for National Drug Control, Pathways Bermuda, Right Living House

(Department of Corrections), Salvation Army (Harbour Light and Community Life Skills Programmes), Turning Point Substance Abuse Programme.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Ms Joanne Dean, Director of the Department for National Drug Control at

292-3049.