Gaithersburg Celebrates Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in September

 Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council presented a proclamation to Rudy, a Wells/Robertson House program resident, declaring September 2011 as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in the City of Gaithersburg.  This year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery:  Recovery Benefits Everyone,” highlights the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addictions Equity Act (MHPAEA). These Acts educate the public about, and advance access to, behavioral health services, while seeking to reduce stereotyping and prejudice associated with mental and substance use disorders. 

 The City of Gaithersburg is proud to own and operate the Wells/Robertson House and DeSellum House programs, providing services for up to nineteen men and women at a time who are homeless and in recovery from chemical addiction.

 Gaithersburg is celebrating National Recovery Month in several ways, including:

• Promoting the City’s involvement and resources to fight and prevent addiction throughout the entire community;
• Sponsoring the 6th Annual Recovery Picnic for Wells/Robertson House residents, alumni and their families, featuring guest speakers, a graduation ceremony, music, festivities, and an awards ceremony for a Recovery Month basketball tournament;
• Hosting a public viewing of “Lost in Woonsocket,” a documentary about homelessness, followed by a panel discussion on the impact that alcohol and drugs have on a community;
• Supporting Wells/Robertson House residents in attending a two-day Narcotics Anonymous Retreat; and
• Hosting the annual Wells Family Dinner for family members and friends of the program.

 Appreciation is extended to Friends of Wells/Robertson House, Inc., a sponsor of Gaithersburg’s Recovery Month Activities.  For more information please contact the Wells/Robertson House program at 301-258-6390 or visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/communityservices.