BENZIE, LEELANAU COUNTIES — The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department and the Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance are recognizing September as National Recovery Month.
This month-long observance celebrates the strength and resilience of individuals in recovery, raises awareness about substance use disorders, and promotes the message that recovery is possible.
In Michigan, more than 800,000 residents are affected by substance use disorders.
“One of the most devastating aspects of addiction is that it doesn’t just harm the person with the addiction but also impacts those they care about,” Jamie Demerly, a public health nurse at BLDHD, said.
BLDHD is committed to supporting individuals on their recovery journey through comprehensive services and programs. A key component of this approach is harm reduction, including the Syringe Service Program.
The program provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals who use substances, offering access to clean syringes, overdose prevention education, and connections to recovery resources.