Mayor proclaims National Recovery Month

FINDLAY — Mayor Christina Muryn has proclaimed September 2025 Recovery Month in Findlay, urging the community to come together to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorder and mental health challenges. This year's theme, "Every Person, Every Family, Every Community," draws attention to how recovery is not just about an individual, but a process that helps families and communities continue to heal and thrive. "There are many people in the community that we may or may not know that are in recovery, who are productive members of the community. We also know that there are many people who struggle with substance use disorder and are working towards achieving recovery or newly experiencing recovery," Zach Thomas, Director of Wellness and Education with Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug, Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) said. "Having elected leadership recognize the significance and importance of recovery in the community is tremendous and really shows folks that are working on their recovery that they truly are supported at all levels of the community." Over the past 13 years, ADAMHS and Hancock County have shifted toward a recovery-oriented system of care, a model recognizing that healing extends far beyond therapy sessions and treatment centers. "Recovery takes place in the community," Thomas explained. "Whether it's at work, at school, at church, or with recreational activities, people are continuously working on their recovery." One accessible local resources is the FOCUS Recovery and Wellness Community, a peer-led organization where individuals can connect with others who also have lived experience. "It's a place they simply can feel safe and cared for wherever they are and wherever they might be in their journey," Thomas said. Additional support services include: • Family Resource Center • NAMI Hancock County • Ohio Guidestone • Hancock County Board of ADAMHS • Connections App For immediate help, Thomas recommends anyone struggling to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, which connects callers to local support 24/7. Hancock County also offers peer programs such as The Loft, a youth centered program providing group sessions and creative outlets, and the Recovery Guide volunteer program, where individuals in recovery and family members can support others on their journey. A full guide of services can be found on the ADAMHS Board recovery website at https://www.yourpathtohealth.org/recovery-2/. Despite continuing improvements, Thomas acknowledges that stigma remains one of the biggest barriers for people seeking help. "Sometimes stigma can be a barrier or the fear of what might happen when they reach out for support," Thomas said. "We've really worked on trying to not only provide services, but really address those issues for people to know that we're creating safe spaces for them to turn to, and addressing that stigma." Thomas added that everyone in the community can play their part by supporting recovery and reducing stigma. "You may not be a therapist or a counselor, but you certainly can offer to take care of someone's kids for an hour so they can see a therapist, take them a meal, walk their dog, whatever it may be, everyone can play a part," Thomas said. "It's no different than when we have a loved one that might be struggling with cancer. We can all help when it comes to someone who is working on their recovery." Looking ahead, Thomas hopes that Hancock County's recovery network can continue to grow and expand its services. "My hope is that we can continue to build upon the philosophy and the strength of recovery-oriented care," Thomas said. "We're also thinking about pulling in the business community and our local employers to think about how they can become a recovery friendly workplaces."