Recognizing National Recovery Month and Piatt County Recovery Resources

September is National Recovery Month. Each September is held in observance to highlight evidence-based treatment and recovery processes for mental health and substance use disorders. 

This month celebrates the progress and achievements made by individuals going through the recovery process as well as the providers and communities that have supported these individuals along the way. This observance also helps promote the messages that behavioral health is a necessary part of overall health, prevention and treatment are effective, and people can and do recover. Furthermore, Recovery Month represents a time to spread awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders. 

In terms of recovery services available in Piatt County, the Piatt County ROSC (Recovery Oriented System of Care) is an excellent resource. It provides various systems of support for community members to work through the full range of substance use problems. 

Tia Schum, ROSC Coordinator, has shared some highlights of Piatt County recovery resources offered. Starting with an overview of Recovery Month and therapy and counseling services offered, Schum says, “Recovery month is one of the Piatt County ROSC’s favorite months! Not only are we celebrating those in our community who are in recovery, but we are also spotlighting different people and resources. Dan Koenigs, BA CADC, is the only Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor in Piatt County. Dan serves at the Piatt County Mental Health Center along with 3 Licensed Clinical Social Workers and 1 Licensed Social Worker. Studies have shown that 50% of all Alcohol Use Disorder and/or Substance Use Disorders have a co-occurring Mental Health Illness. The therapists and counselors at the Piatt County Mental Health Center not only are able address these co-occurrences but are ready and willing!”

Beyond these therapy services offered through the ROSC, Schum has provided details on additional support groups that are held in Piatt County: “On Monday evenings at 7pm, Open Hearts Foursquare Church holds an AA meeting. Thursday evenings at 8pm, First Presbyterian Church holds an AA meeting. Wednesday evenings starting at 5p is the Wellness Enrichment Group held in Bement at the Crossroads Church. This is the first open support group in Piatt County. We are not overly concerned about what you are recovering from, mental health, alcohol, substances, we honestly just want you to come join us and get your cup filled with all the positive things to get you through the week. This group also has created a supportive network with each other, helping out with tough times/days, as well as celebrating all the good things!”

Open to all, the Piatt County ROSC wants to support its community members through the process of recovery, whatever each individual’s path may look like. Schum says, “The Piatt County ROSC has been going strong for 3 years now and we aren’t slowing down. We meet every third Thursday of the month and invite anyone and everyone to join us!”

If you have any questions, would like to attend, or are interested in learning more, you can contact Tia Schum, BS CPRS at tschum@piattmhc.org.

As we recognize Recovery Month, here is to all of those who have recovered, who are going through the process, and who will be starting. Your Piatt County community has your back.