City Raises Awareness for National Recovery Month
Mayor Paul Brodeur and Health & Human Services (HHS) Director Anthony Chui are teaming up to rally the community to recognize September as Recovery Month, a national observance intended to increase public awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery and reduce the social stigma tied to substance use disorders.
“Mental health and substance use disorders affect all communities nationwide, and Melrose is not immune to that,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. “Director Chui and I are recognizing September as Recovery Month to help raise awareness and support those impacted by mental health and substance use disorders in our community. I’m hopeful that with public commitment and support from the community as well as from friends and family, those impacted may embark on a journey of improved health and overall wellness.”
The City of Melrose is spearheading local Recovery Month campaign efforts, including collaborating with the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition, a regional substance use prevention coalition, to host the 2022 Recovery & Remembrance Event taking place at Reading Town Commons on September 28 from 6—7:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
The HHS Department has also developed City webpages dedicated to mental health and substance abuse recovery resources. Residents can visit cityofmelrose.org/melrose-health-and-wellness-coalition to learn more. In addition, the department has curated lawn signs with QR codes that will be planted throughout Melrose as another way to direct residents to these resources.
“People can and do recover every day. Through our efforts to recognize recovery month, our community has a better chance of understanding that recovery is possible,” said Director Chui. “I encourage all residents in need of recovery services to seek help, whether their first stop is at the Melrose Health and Human Services Department, or MelroseWakefield Hospital, or a trusted friend.”
This coming October and November, the HHS and Recreation Departments will offer Mental Health First Aid classes, which are free and open to the public. Through these classes, residents will learn how to identify, understand and respond to early signs of mental health and substance use challenges. More information will soon be released to the public.
