The Ozarks is well known for hospitality and local leaders continue to establish that. City of Branson Mayor, Larry Milton, and City of Hollister Mayor, Lamar Patton, both took the time to recognize September as Recovery Month by issuing proclamations supporting awareness efforts to educate the community on the impact of mental health and substance use disorders and to celebrate those in our community that are in recovery.
The proclamations remind us that Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community!
Al Vineyard, Local Community Member
The City of Hollister further honored Recovery Month by inviting representatives of recovery to tonight’s general meeting to present the proclamation in person. Mayor Patton and the Hollister Board of Aldermen invited those in attendance to speak for a few moments before the proclamation. Al Vineyard, a person in long-term recovery, thanked the Mayor and Aldermen for the hope they instilled in her with their actions, and shared that it was that kind of hope and support that gave her the courage to find recovery eight years ago.
Individuals who struggle with mental health and / or substance use disorders often encounter stigma. That stigma keeps millions of Americans, and many of our neighbors right here in the Ozarks, from seeking treatment and finding recovery. Media often focuses on the negative consequences sometimes associated with substance use and those in recovery are rarely recognized for the challenges many have overcome and the work many are doing to improve their communities and help others find recovery. That is what Recovery Month is all about!
Thank you to our elected leaders for taking action to help spread the message that Recovery IS Possible and honoring those in recovery that are thriving and making a difference in the communities that they serve.
Representatives in attendance:
Tammy McLaughlin – Owner/Executive Director of the Stone County Recovery Center
Kim Phillips – Simmering Center Administrator / Public Relations
Stan Robinson – Owner / Clinical Director and counselor at the Brook Wellness Center
James Hess – Certified Peer Specialist at Burrell Behavioral Health
Arlo Remmen – Volunteer at the Stone County Recovery Center
Al Vineyard – Local community member and recovery advocate
Marietta Hagan – Project Coordinator with CoxHealth
