Broward to hold Recovery Month Public Awareness Event

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - July 1, 2016 - PRLog -- A contingent of Broward County (http://www.broward.org/Pages/Welcome.aspx) drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment professionals will be holding the Broward Recovery Month (http://www.browardrecoverymonth.org/) public awareness event September 24, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the War Memorial Auditorium (http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/departments/parks-recreation/war-memorial-auditorium) as part of National Recovery Month, which is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (http://www.samhsa.gov/).

"Mental and/or substance use disorders are prevalent in South Florida, and it's critical that individuals in Broward County understand how to seek help," said Lisa Sheehan, co-chair of Broward Recovery Month. "One sure-fire way to gain an understanding is to go to our Broward Recovery Month main expo event on September 24."

In Florida, about 525,000 adults (3.6% of all adults) per year from 2009-2013 had a Serious Mental Illness (SMI). Also in Florida, about 493,000 adults (3.4% of all adults) from 2009-2013 had serious thoughts of suicide. These statistics were provided by SAMHSA.

Last year, 82 proclamations - in an effort to raise awareness about prevention, treatment, and recovery support services - were issued nationwide, including one by the President of the United States. The Broward Recovery Month event aims to highlight the significance of helping people in need of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services, while also celebrating the accomplishments of individuals in recovery.

"Broward Recovery Month will emphasize that individuals in recovery and their support systems can be change agents in our communities," stated Erica Shapiro, co-chair of Broward Recovery Month "It is critical that people experiencing mental and/or substance use disorders receive the support they need."

The event will also feature the support of local businesses and organizations that recognize the value of seeking treatment and overcoming mental and/or substance use disorders. "It is important that the momentum we establish at this event is continued on a daily basis," added Sheehan. "We all have the potential to make a difference and be visible, vocal and valuable to help spread the message that recovery is possible."

About Broward Recovery Month

Broward Recovery Month is part of National Recovery Month, a national observance sponsored by SAMHSA, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (http://www.hhs.gov/). The observance raises awareness for mental and/or substance use disorders, celebrates individuals in long-term recovery, and acknowledges the work of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.

The Broward Recovery Month event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. September 24, 2016 at the War Memorial Auditorium, 800 NE 8th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. For more information about the event please visit the web site at www.browardrecoverymonth.org. The official Twitter hashtag is #Recoverymonth. If you would like to submit content to the web site, please contact Scott Brand, digital marketing manager for Inspirations for Youth and Families (http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/) at sbrand@inspirationsyouth.com or by cell phone at (786) 299-6639 and Erica Shapiro - 305-761-7318