Stone County Health Department raises awareness while connecting community with resources

Sometimes finding help begins with knowing who to ask and having the right people in the same place.

The Stone County Health Department brought seven community partner agencies together Sept. 30 for its first Recovery Month Community Outreach Event, giving individuals and families an opportunity to learn about local prevention, treatment, recovery and community resources.

Held in recognition of National Recovery Month, the event created one location where attendees could ask questions, learn about available services and connect directly with organizations serving the community. The event centered on the message that recovery is possible, overdose is preventable and every life matters.

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Left: The Stone County Health Department hosted its first Recovery Month Community Outreach Event, bringing community partners together to make help easier to find. Right: Local organizations provided information and resources for individuals and families seeking prevention, treatment and recovery services during the Recovery Month Community Outreach Event. (Photos by Joelene Powell)

Education focused on overdose prevention, recognizing the signs of an overdose and the importance of having naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, available. Attendees received wellness items and giveaways, along with gas cards and event T-shirts for those completing a community survey.

The survey asked about their awareness of local resources and where they would turn for support. Before the event, 63.64% of respondents said they knew what resources and services are available in their community. By the end of the event, 100% said they knew what resources were available and where to turn if they or someone they knew needed support. Beyond identifying where to turn for help, participants used the survey to identify other community needs, including affordable housing, childcare and additional outreach events.

Stone County Health Department Community Liaison Carrie Padilla said bringing community organizations together was about more than providing information. The event allowed individuals and families to make direct connections while recognizing those working toward recovery, remembering those who have been lost and supporting families walking alongside their loved ones.

“Sometimes the most important thing we can do is make that first connection and remind someone that help, hope and people who care are available right here in our community,” Padilla said.

The outreach event was the first of its kind hosted by the Stone County Health Department. Padilla said the department learned from the experience and plans to build on those lessons with community partners in the future.

“Recovery is real. Recovery is possible. Every life matters,” Padilla said. 

Although National Recovery Month is recognized in September, connecting individuals and families with prevention, treatment and recovery resources remains a year-round effort.

For more information about addiction recovery services and available community resources, contact the Stone County Health Department at 417-272-0050, ext. 2111.