NEWS MEDIA RELEASE Aug. 31, 2015 For More Information Contact: MELYNDA THORPE (435) 773-0781

SOUTHERN UTAH CIVIC AND COMMUNITY LEADERS LAUNCH MONTH-LONG

CAMPAIGN TO BREAK THE STIGMA OF RECOVERY SEPT. 1

In September, businesses, organizations and community leaders throughout southern Utah will join together in showing support for individuals in recovery from addiction. Several activities are planned throughout the month culminating with the Sept. 23-25 Utah Fall Substance Abuse Conference being held in St. George, Utah, this year. On Sept. 1, main thoroughfares in St George and Cedar City, Utah, will be lined with red ribbons, and businesses throughout the communities will begin displaying red lights to show support for those in recovery. September 1 also marks the launch of the “My name is …” campaign. Designed to raise awareness about addiction recovery, “My name is …” offers an opportunity for recovering addicts to proudly identify themselves, share their stories, and be honored for their effort to live an addiction free life. A press conference marking the campaign launch will take place Sept. 1 at Therapia Addiction Healing and Recovery Center, 11 a.m. A ribbon cutting conducted by the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce will follow at 2 p.m. “Rarely do we take the time to honor those in recovery,” said Splendor Sargent, Therapia business development director. “We work with so many individuals who give everything to overcome addiction. As a community, this is our opportunity to show our support for those in the recovery process and to empower those who have overcome one of life’s most difficult challenges.” Additional activities include proclamation signings by Cedar City Mayor Maile Wilson (Aug. 26), and St. George City Mayor Jon Pike (Sept. 3), officially declaring September as Recovery Awareness Month – Empowering Those in Recovery in both cities.

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2-2-2 SOUTHERN UTAH TO CELEBRATE RECOVERY AWARENESS MONTH

On Sept. 4, the “My Name Is …” campaign will make a public appearance at George Streetfest on Main where local artists will be selling a special edition “Red for Recovery” event T-shirt. Several recovery agencies will gather in what is being called The Red Zone near the Main Stage to show solidarity, support, and to discuss various recovery programs and services. Recovery Awareness events continue Sept. 12 with a Mud Run at Staheli Family Farm, 9 a.m., with two athletes from America Ninja hosting the event, Brian Beckstrom and John Stewart. Sept. 22 will feature the Fall Recovery Classic tournament at The Ledges Golf Club. The tournament is hosted by Therapia Addiction Healing and Recovery Center, and will kick off the three-day Utah Fall Substance Abuse Conference to be held this year in St. George. Southwest Utah Recovery Day Celebration will take place Sept. 24, 4 p.m., at Town Square. Hosted by Southwest Behavioral Health Center, Mayor Jon Pike will preside as families, friends, and community members in recovery release 200 red balloons in honor of someone they love in recovery, or their own recovery journey. Additional ways to support Recovery Awareness Month include purchasing and displaying a $5 red light bulb from Wilkinson’s Lighting, Cherry Creek Radio, Therapia and supporting businesses. Campaign wristbands and red ribbons will be available at George Streetfest at The Red Zone, Friday, Sept. 4. All proceeds will be donated to the southern Utah peer mentoring program, Recovery Outreach, a nonprofit organization.

For more information, contact Splendor Sargent at splendor@argrecoverygroup.com, or call (435) 862-5663.

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