September is National Recovery Month!

National Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery and reinforces the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.

Ways you can participate:

Attend a screening of the documentary film, The Anonymous People (trailer), to learn more about the recovery movement. We have two coming up in September, in Fairfax, Virginia. You can also visit the national page to search for other screenings, or stream it online.
Wear purple on September 16th and tell people why!
Post about recovery month on social media, and/or change your facebook or website banner to one about recovery month (banners can be found here)
Donate to an organization promoting recovery and fighting addiction
Take a recovery message training like this one to learn how to talk about your recovery or share your story effectively
Start conversations with people you know about addiction and recovery
Share your personal recovery story if you can - you never know who you might inspire.
Visit the National Recovery Day website to learn more and search for events near you!

We hope you will help us honor those fighting the daily battle for long term recovery by participating in whatever way you are able!

Highlighted Local Events:

September 7th

Labor Day Picnic

2300 Dumbarton Road, Richmond, VA

Food, fun, music, corn hole, and lots of recovery! FREE!

September 9th

Screening of "To Write Love On Her Arms"

George Washington University Marvin Center Amphitheater at 7pm

Watch the incredible true story of TWLOHA, hosted by the local GW Students for Recovery chapter!

September 12th

McShin's 11th Annual Recovery Fest 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

2300 Dumbarton Road, Richmond, VA.

There will be food, vendors, addiction service providers, kid's activities, local non-profits, guest speakers, corn hole tournament, and the 6th annual BBQ state championship!

September 14th

Recovery Messaging Training with SPEAK GW

George Washington University Marvin Center 407 at 4:30pm

Learn the effective ways of articulating your recovery, how to avoid harmful language, and the best ways to reduce stigma and increase hope!

Sept 22nd

Wear Purple for Recovery!

Screening of The Anonymous People

Pender United Methodist Church

12401 Alder Woods Dr, Fairfax, VA 22033

6:45pm pizza, 7pm movie starts

September 24th

Screening of The Anonymous People

George Mason University, Johnson Center Cinema

Fairfax, VA

6:45 pm pizza, 7pm movie starts

Come watch this powerful film, and get free pizza and shirts.

September 30th

Recovery Bash in Betts

George Washington University Marvin Center Betts Theater at 6pm

Free giveaways from DC Department of Behavioral Health, watch The Anonymous People with some of the actors, hang out with some special guests, and cap off a great #RecoveryMonth!

October 4th

Unite to Face Addiction

4-8 p.m. on the National Mall

Huge rally on the national mall! Join tens of thousands of Americans as we show the world that recovery matters and our voices will be heard!!