The road to recovery from addiction or dealing with mental health challenges can be a long and arduous one, so the City of Alexandria is looking to lighten the mood with a celebration and show of support to include food trucks and games.
The Department of Community and Human Services is hosting a celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 3-6 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park where “all are welcome to show their support of recovery.”
According to a release:
There will be free food truck meals, information about services and resources, music, games, vendors, swag and special guest speakers. Additional activities highlighting the benefits of art, nutrition, exercise and meditation will take place at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Drive).
Substance use disorders (SUD) are often misunderstood and overlooked, but at the heart are people in need of health care and a sense of belonging through social support. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2020, 40.3 million people had a SUD. Across the US, 108,000 people died from a drug overdose in 2023. This prevalence drives the need to ensure that people have access to information that can reduce their risk of harm and support recovery efforts.
DCHS provides access to treatment options and is available 24 hours a day at 703.746.3636 (Virginia Relay 711). To get help with stopping the use of heroin or other opioids, call the Opioid Treatment Program intake line directly at 703.746.3610. All residents are encouraged to obtain Naloxone (Narcan) as a first aid measure for any opioid overdoses they may encounter and to properly dispose of unwanted medicines at permanent drug drop boxes to avoid misuse.
