Successful Recovery Month Held in West Virginia
During the month of September, which was national Recovery Month, local leaders coordinated a unique and groundbreaking campaign uniting hundreds of individuals and organizations to share the remarkable progress West Virginia is making in addressing substance use disorder.
The month-long “Celebrating Connections” campaign consolidated success stories and recovery resources into a statewide social media campaign consisting of daily messages highlighting resources, trainings, and events. Posts garnering the most interest:
· The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ (DHHR) Office of Drug Control Policy’s new Treatment and Recovery Resource Map
· A virtual presentation detailing the Jobs & Hope West Virginia program
· Governor Jim Justice’s Proclamation recognizing September as Recovery Month
The Celebrating Connections campaign also included fun and innovative features, including:
· A “Lip Sync Challenge” video featuring first responders
· A video celebrating individuals in recovery titled, “Celebration Challenge”
· A curated Spotify playlist of songs called “Recovery Rocks”
Huntington-based Healthy Connections coalition served as the lead social media partner for the campaign.
“This is an unprecedented convergence of dedicated partners in West Virginia’s recovery community,” said Rachel Thaxton, Assistant Director of DHHR’s Office of Drug Control Policy. “While West Virginia has been adversely affected by substance use disorder, its response has placed the state at the forefront of national recovery efforts. We will continue to share recovery success stories and the wide variety of programs available for all West Virginians.”
The Celebrating Connections campaign will be archived as a resource guide for other states to adapt for their community recovery efforts.
“The success during September is a starting point,” Thaxton added. “We are now planning for Recovery Day at the West Virginia State Capitol, which will take place on March 23, 2021.”