A two-mile “Walk of Hope” through Historic Easton is planned to raise awareness of recovery from the disease of addiction and other mental health issues, Sharon Dundon, group facilitator for Recovery for Shore, has announced.
The event, which will begin at 7 p.m. at the pavilion in Idlewild Park and end around 8:30 p.m., is a joint project of Recovery for Shore and Mariah’s Mission Fund of the Mid Shore Community Foundation.
“We invite all community members to join us, as well as people who are in recovery, their family members and friends, those who have lost loved ones to the disease of addiction or mental health issues, and those who work in the alcohol and drug addiction treatment fields,” says Dundon. “By walking through town on a Saturday evening, we hope to remind our friends and neighbors that millions of Americans are leading meaningful and productive lives in recovery from addiction and mental illness. We also want to inspire both hope and a willingness to support initiatives that will increase public support and funding for treatment and recovery support programs.”
According to Valerie Albee, founder of Mariah’s Mission Fund, another purpose of the Walk of Hope is to help build awareness of treatment and recovery resources available in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties. Information about these resources will be provided at the event by participating organizations.
Albee, who lost her daughter, Mariah, to a heroin overdose in 2012, founded Mariah’s Mission Fund in 2014 to provide support groups and resources to empower families and individuals struggling with the effects of addiction and substance use disorders. “Families dealing with addiction and mental illness struggle in silence to cope, to answer ‘why,’” she explains. “Mothers and fathers, siblings and spouses deal with the stigma and shame. They need to know they are not alone, that they can benefit from support and a sense of togetherness to move forward in a positive manner.”
Working with treatment providers and other organizations in the region, Mariah’s Mission Fund has coordinated support groups in Cambridge, Easton, St. Michaels and Pasadena for individuals and families struggling with stress, loss and grief related to addiction issues. Shore Behavioral Health’s Bridge Clinic also offers a support group and other services for individuals recently discharged from an inpatient hospital stay for treatment of addiction or mental health issues.
Says Albee, “The Walk of Hope will give people who have experienced or observed these struggles the opportunity to come out and show the community that recovery is a real possibility, and to encourage others to think and talk about what can be done help those who are struggling with addiction and mental illness and their family members as well.”
Participation in the April 30 Walk of Hope is free; sign-in begins at 7 p.m. and the walk departs at 7:45. “Recovery Happens” lanyards and glow sticks will be distributed at sig- in. For more information, contact [email protected]
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