Nikki's Total Life Care Center Gives Away Hygiene Kits During National Recovery Month.

Participants of the Sept. 7th recovery awareness event gather in front of the Nash County Courthouse after walking from the Agriculture Center. Graphic photo by Jo Anne Cooper

September is National Recovery Month, celebrated locally Sept. 7 at the Nash County Agricultural Center with the Second Annual Recovery Event.

Sponsored by Trillium Health Resources, Nash County, UNC Health Nash and HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration), the program had three parts: a community mix and mingle from 11 a.m. to 12:45, a dynamic panel discussion from 1 to 2 p.m. and a commemorative walk/wheel ending at the Nash County courthouse.

Informational tables were set up by the Nash County Health Department; O.I.C. of Rocky Mount; Carolina Family Health Centers, Inc.; Coastal Plains Hospital; Nash County Social Services; Restoration & Recovery at Bailey; Trillium Health Resources; Open Door Recovery; Nikki's Total Life Care Center and C.A.R.E. (Coalition for Addiction Recovery & Education).

C.A.R.E., which offers resources, education and support for alcohol and substance abuse treatment in the Rocky Mount area, was giving out free "Harm Reduction Kits," available in both ziplock and hard locking med cases. The kits contain chemical testers for the presence of fentanyl and xylazine, known as "tranq," drug mixtures containing substances that can place users at a higher risk of suffering fatal drug poisoning. The kits also contain a powder to dissolve pills for safe disposal, hand sanitizer, medical grade bandages, antibiotic ointment and a container for sharps disposal.

Nikki's Total Life Care Center had hygiene kits to give away, such as are distributed during visits at the Nash Detention Center; the kits had soap, toothpaste, shampoo and a washcloth. Organizers from the organization, which is a faith-based program, offered resources and referrals to individuals and families impacted by mental illness and substance use disorders, including to incarcerated and released individuals.

Open Door Recovery, based in Samaria, offers help with recovery from substance abuse or debilitating life changes as well as eating disorders; Trillium Health Resources focuses on personal care services, including suicide prevention and awareness, and support for services behavioral health, traumatic brain injury or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Restoration & Recovery, located off Bailey offers a faith-based, 12-step program to battle substance abuse along with a men's transition home for men coming out of prison or in recovery. The Nash County Social Services table was set up to help with family & child Medicaid applications as well as adult Medicaid.

Coastal Plains Hospital of Rocky Mount had information about suicide signs and ways for people and families to deal with substance abuse. It also offered mental health services and detox measures.

Carolina Family Health Centers, in Elm City and Princeville, offers alcohol and substance abuse treatment as part of its primary care, including behavioral therapy and medications.