Recovery walk unites
ZANESVILLE – All forms of recovery will be recognized and celebrated at the second annual Recovery is Beautiful Walk at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 7, at Zane’s Landing in downtown Zanesville.
The walk brings together advocates from Muskingum Behavioral Health, the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Muskingum County, and NAMI Six County. The Six County service area includes the counties of Coshocton, Guernsey, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, and Perry.
The walk is intended to raise awareness of addiction, suicide prevention and mental health while celebrating recovery.
“We know that, with treatment, recovery is not only possible, it is likely,” said NAMI Six County President Paul Quinn. “People are suffering from real diagnosable diseases,” he said of the heavily-stigmatized consumers of these services. “The only way to get better is to accept the diagnosis and engage in treatment.”
NAMI Six County initiated the walk last year as part of the Recovery is Beautiful initiative introduced by the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities. Nearly 100 individuals turned out last year to participate. This year, the event invites people in all forms of recovery to turn out in unity.
“These diseases tend to leave many people isolated,” said NAMI Six County Vice President Patrick Quinn. “We need the power of connecting with others who understand and live with our challenges. If we’re going to pull through, we have to do it together.”
Participants will rally and register at the shelter house at 9:30 a.m. before walking the Zane Landings Path at 10 a.m. Long and short routes are available, though participants are free to choose to walk as much or little as they desire.
The event coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month. The walk will be held rain or shine.
Contributions to NAMI are encouraged but not required to participate (all proceeds go to NAMI Six County for the support and advocacy of the mentally ill and their families. NAMI is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, so all contributions are tax deductible).
Category: People & Places
