Dean Kubiak, CBHJ participate in the Michigan Celebrate Recovery Walk and Rally
Wayne State University (WSU) School of Social Work (SSW) Dean Sheryl Kubiak and WSU SSW Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (CBHJ) staff joined community partners, people in recovery from addiction, their friends and family, treatment professionals, and other allies in recovery, gathering on Belle Isle on September 14th for the Michigan Celebrate Recovery Walk and Rally as part of National Recovery Month. The event celebrated those in recovery as well as the process, services, and support that make recovery possible.
The event offered fun, community, and resources, with games, karaoke, food, and vendor tables staffed by representatives from substance use disorder providers, regional Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHP)s, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Narcan nasal spray kits-a brand of naloxone, which can treat opioid overdose in an emergency situation--were made available by MDHHS at no cost, which generally retail at $120. Agencies and community members came to the Recovery Walk in the hope that the occasion would draw media attention to the idea that people can and do recover, and when they do, they are able to give back to their community.
Keynote Speaker for the Walk was Former NFL player Randy Grimes, whose addiction began during his football career with the prescription painkillers he used for injuries, and continued for over 20 years. "In football, I always had a playbook-and a team-to get me through the day," states Randy. "Without that structure, I didn't know what to do; I lost myself, as my addiction took over." Now, as a staunch supporter of recovery, Randy has helped to launch the group "Athletes in Recovery" to help athletes find support and has written a book on his experiences.
About the Michigan Celebrate Recovery Walk & Rally: The Michigan Celebrate Recovery Walk & Rally aims to demonstrate to our friends and neighbors, policy makers and the media that people can and do recover from addiction to alcohol and other drugs and that when people get well, it benefits our families, communities and nation. Prevention works, treatment is effective and people recover. Learn more.
About the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice: The Center for Behavioral Health and Justice and Wayne State University's School of Social Work envisions communities in which research, data, and best practices are used by multiple stakeholders to enhance the optimal well-being of individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders who come into contact with the criminal/legal system. Learn more