Valley voices spread messages of hope during National Recovery Month

WASILLA — September is National Recovery Month, an annual period of time dedicated to spreading awareness and understanding for mental and substance use disorders while celebrating those on the path of recovery.

Numerous individuals and entities across the Valley are recognizing the importance of celebrating recovery while spending messages of hope and support to those still struggling with addiction.

Mat-Su Opioid Task Force

Mat-Su Opioid Task Force founder Michael Carson shared the latest developments with their group as well as insight to local efforts on the frontlines of recovery.

The Task Force held their first formal meeting since the outbreak earlier this month through Zoom. Carson said that members kept in contact through emails and his regular updates. They plan to resume monthly meetings virtually from this point forward, featuring local and visiting speaker presentations in addition to regular agenda items.

“It’s always important, but I thought it was more important this year,” Carson said.

Since they’re not meeting in person this month, Task Force members are collecting testimonies from the locals in recovery. Carson said they’ll post the testimonies online, sharing them around to inspire hope and proof recovery is possible no matter how dark the times get.

Locals have been sharing before and after photos of their recovery progress along with their sobriety time on the Task Force Facebook page throughout the month.

“If you want recovery, recovery is possible… Obviously they have to do the work… even though there’s a barrier because of COVID,” Carson said. “It is imperative we get the word out there. Help is available and you are not alone.”

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Department of Health of Social Services are working with various organizations across the state, including the Mat-Su Health Foundation to implement a new program called the Crisis Now Model, an all encompassing support network for those looking to enter treatment for addiction.

The Crisis Now Model is a continuum of care comprised of three components to prevent suicide, emergency room wait times, and correctional settings to support individuals in crisis, according to Carson. He said the model includes a 24 hour crisis call center, and an observation center with short term beds for those who cannot be stabilized by call center clinicians or the mobile crisis team response.

Carson was happy to announce that the Task Force received a copy of Gov. Dunleavy’s recent proclamation officially recognizing National Recovery Month in Alaska.

“Addiction to alcohol and other drugs can trap anyone, from our neighbors to our loved ones and even ourselves... addiction is a public health threat in Alaska, but with appropriate support from family, friends, and the community, meaningful recovery is possible,” Dunleavy stated in the proclamation.

Set Free Alaska

Set Free Alaska is normally able to participate in National Recovery Month through their annual fundraising gala at Evangelos, but this year’s event was postponed and will be fully virtual due to COVID-19, according to Development Director Lindsey Cashman.

The gala normally takes place in September and features a live auction over a formal dinner party with speaker presentations from Alaskan senators and other figures.

This year calls for a virtual auction with items like tickets from Alaska Airlines and the Alaska Railroad. Cashman said they’re still working out the details for the auction and virtual event, looking to include special guests from the community.

“The most important thing would be a message of hope. The auction items, the telethon, the raising money, is all kind of in the background. But, the message of hope is we want to get to people, especially during this pandemic,” Cashman said. “The second goal is to share what we do and some people who are involved in what we do.”

Set Free Alaska is currently working with clients with in person and telehealth services. They opened a new treatment center for men in Homer. Cashman said it’s the first of its kind in the state, offering Alaskan men the chance to live on campus with their children after 30 days, an option only available to women until July.

Cashman said that Set Free also started a new COVID-19 quarantine program that houses those looking to get sober for 14 days before entering treatment.

“We believe that everyone deserves dignity and respect. If you’re struggling with issues... here you’ll just be immediately respected. We’re here to help you,” Cashman said.

Alaska Court System

The Palmer Courthouse and courts across the Alaska Court System are recognizing National Recovery Month. Palmer is one of several communities with a therapeutic court program designed for substance abuse and mental health disorders.

Traditionally, therapeutic court participants’ graduations are coordinated with National Recovery Month. This year, therapeutic courts across Alaska have been invited to participate in a virtual 5K event sponsored by local activities.

The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA has created a Disaster Distress Helpline, offering 24 hour crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Those looking to connect to the helpline can call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.

Locals in recovery interested in sharing their testimonies to be posted with just their first names on the Mat-Su Opioid Task Force Facebook page for National Recovery Month can email John Green at kellsieskey@yahoo.com.

“Things were piling up, it was just overwhelming and I couldn’t live like that any more. My name is Mark and I have 36 years of sobriety,” posted on the Task Force Facebook page.

For more information about the Mat-Su Opioid Task Force, For more information about Set Free Alaska, call 907-373-4732 or visit setfreealaska.org. To learn more about the Palmer Courthouse’s Wellness Court, call 907-746-8142 or email khull@akcourt.us.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com