Community members will gather in Branson later this month to recognize recovery from mental health and substance use disorders during the sixth annual Recovery Jamboree at the Sanctuary of Hope, 1790 Bee Creek Road.
The free event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 19 and will feature participation from more than 20 local agencies, according to a community announcement. Organizers said in the announcement that attendees can access health screenings, community resources, food distribution, music, giveaways and a free lunch.
The event also includes activities for families and children, including snow cones, popcorn, games and a bounce house.
New this year is free QPR, or Question, Persuade, Refer, suicide prevention training. Organizers describe
the program as an evidence-based training that teaches participants how to recognize warning signs of suicide, offer hope and connect someone in crisis with appropriate help.
According to the announcement, organizers hope the training will give community members the confidence and knowledge to recognize when someone might be struggling and take action to help.
“This event emphasizes that individuals in recovery and their support systems can be change agents in our communities,” Marietta Hagan, project coordinator with CoxHealth, said in the announcement.
Hagan said that access to support remains important for people experiencing mental health and substance use disorders.
“It is critical that people experiencing mental health and substance use disorders receive the support they need. The reality is that behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and recovery is possible!” Hagan said in the announcement.
Recovery Month event highlights community support
The jamboree is part of National Recovery Month, a nationwide observance intended to raise awareness of mental health and substance use disorders while recognizing individuals in recovery and the role of prevention, treatment and recovery support services.
Local prevention, treatment and recovery support providers are collaborating to host the event.
Organizers said in the announcement that the addition of QPR training reflects the event’s broader goal of encouraging people to support one another during mental health challenges and recovery journeys.
The addition of QPR training reinforces the event’s broader message that everyone has a role to play in creating a healthier, more supportive community, according to the announcement.
Hagan said that community involvement is key to expanding support for recovery efforts.
“We all have the potential to make a difference and be visible, vocal and valuable to help spread the message that recovery is possible,” Hagan stated in the announcement. “Only through working together can we become a recovery ready community.”
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Recovery Month event brings resources, training to Branson
