Oakland County celebrates those in recovery

Oakland County Health Division's Office of Substance Abuse Services will host its Seventh Annual Recovery Month Celebration on Friday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Waterford Oaks County Park, 1702 Scott Lake Road. This event, which recognizes individuals who receive substance abuse treatment and pursue recovery each year, will include a half-mile walk, health fair, health screenings, exercise, kid activities, prizes, and a healthy food demonstration. The public and media are welcome to attend. "The event celebrates the determination, patience and courage of those on their journey to recovery. Prevention and treatment do work," said Christina Nicholas, chief of Substance Abuse Services. Oakland County's Seventh Annual Recovery Month Celebration is among nearly 300 events across the nation marking the 2013 National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month this September. This year's theme is "Join the Voices for Recovery: On Pathways to Wellness." For more information, contact Angie Gullekson at gulleksona@oakgov.com or 248-858-9598. If someone is in need of substance abuse treatment, call the Office of Substance Abuse Services PACE Unit at 248-858-5200. PACE stands for Prior Authorization and Central Evaluation. PACE is the first step to substance abuse treatment services for low income residents of Oakland County. It provides confidential services for persons who have a current dependence on alcohol and/or other drugs. Among those are referral information about outpatient substance abuse treatment programs close to home or place of employment; screening and assessment for individuals seeking assistance for intensive outpatient treatment, methadone, and residential substance abuse programs; and authorization for continuing care services. Published: Fri, Sep 6, 2013