The Discovering Alcoholic’s Community Outreach Program

It’s been a good while since I’ve made an advocacy update on my activity with the Governor’s Substance Abuse Task Force in Alabama, so here’s a report on today’s monthly meeting.

The mission of the task force is to enhance and promote substance abuse and addiction prevention, treatment and recovery. The group is made up of 22 very talented members from different fields of prevention, treatment, recovery... and one simple-minded blogger. The meeting today covered two main topics, the planning of quarterly community outreach programs and National Recovery Month (NRM) activities.

The outreach programs focus on reducing the stigma associated with substance abuse and addiction, discussing treatment and funding sources, and to allow those in the community to voice their concerns. Not only do the experienced task force members attend, but local law, judicial, and community leaders are also invited to attend and speak. My intentions were to plan a community outreach program in my home county in July but the travel schedule for my job that pays the bills was just too unpredictable. Even though it is later than I had hoped, today we set a concrete Dec.11th date for the program in my home area.

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The rest of the meeting focused on NRM activities. This year in addition to what was a very successful rally last year in Birmingham, a 5K sobriety run, recovery art show, and an old timer’s retreat have also been planned. Last year I was all on my own, but now I am very proud to be joining forces with this very capable and committed group.

This is also a good opportunity to offer a well deserved TDA Salute to a very special lady, Beverly Johnson, who serves as our coordinator. It was announced today that she will also head up the newly formed Office of Advocacy and Outreach of the Alabama Department of Mental Health. Capable, competent, and caring… I congratulate her on the accomplishment and look forward to helping her achieve our goals.