LRADAC Kicks off Recovery Month With Block Party!

Columbia, South Carolina — Over 150 individuals gathered at LRADAC's Richland County facility on Friday, September 10th from 9 to 11 a.m. to celebrate National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery Month). To celebrate this year's theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Now More than Ever”!, LRADAC kicked off the month's activities with the “Block Party” at the Richland County site. The Block Party, the first of four events, is designed to help educate the general public on how daily and increased stress can contribute to substance misuse.

The event featured health fair booths with educational information beyond that of substance abuse to include colon cancer prevention and how to prevent injury to your back, to name a few. In addition, partner agencies provided exhibits, sponsored fun informational activities and shared resources that are available within the community for those seeking help.

The event was free and participants of all ages enjoyed music, games and refreshments while they toured the various health fair booths. The Honorable Judge H. Bruce Williams was the featured guest speaker. His message was one of encouragement to the participants to continue their efforts to make the community aware of the vast support there is for individuals and families who are in recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction.

LRADAC will host three additional events during the month of September including:

• Community Health Fair Block Party for Lexington County on September 17, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. LRADAC's Lexington site is located at 1068 South Lake Drive, Lexington near the 1-20 and Highway 6 interchange in the Red Bank Crossing complex.
• LRADAC Family Reunion (Open to the Public) on Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in LRADAC's Education Center located at 2711 Colonial Drive between Bull and Harden Streets. Former clients, employees, volunteers and their families are all invited to attend the Reunion. The event will feature music, fun activities and light refreshments as participants visit with other members of the LRADAC family.
• LRADAC Partners In Recovery Gala Event on Thursday, September 30, at 6:30 p.m. at 2711 Colonial Drive in the Education Center. During this event LRADAC will have an opportunity to acknowledge the many partners who assist our clients on their recovery journey. In addition, two awards will be presented to honor distinguished contributions in the areas of prevention, intervention and treatment of substance use and addiction. Tickets are required for admission and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $20 and cover admission to the celebration and heavy hors d'oeuvres. To inquire about tickets, please call Carol Lewis at 726.9405.

2010 marks the 21st observance of Recovery Month sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly half of Americans in 2008 reported that their stress level had increased over the past year, with as many as 30 percent rating their average stress level as extreme. According to the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use And Health, 23.1 million people needed treatment for a substance use disorder.

“This is LRADAC's third annual Block Party”, said Debbie Francis, LRADAC's President and CEO. “LRADAC continues to partner with individuals, families, businesses and organizations of all types to improve the lives of our clients and our communities. Today, we celebrate together the impact that prevention, treatment and sustained recovery from substance abuse and addiction have on our communities.”