San Diegans to celebrate Recovery Month at waterfront park

September is National Recovery Month, and hundreds of San Diegans will be increasing awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders while celebrating people in recovery and those who support them at an event at the Waterfront Park downtown.

The county Health and Human Services Agency will host Recovery Happens, a free, family-friendly event, Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway. It is free and open to the public.

Whether someone is in recovery, thinking about recovery or looking for help for someone they know, the event has something everyone.

The 2019 theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger.” The theme focuses on the need to share resources and build networks across the country to support recovery.

Aligning with the 2019 theme, this year’s Recovery Happens has been expanded to include resources and services to support family members, friends and those on the journey to recovery.

Exhibitors will be on hand with education information, employment support, veterans’ services, financial and legal advice, free HIV and hepatitis C screenings, prevention and treatment information, community resources and more.

The focus was expanded to also provide support to family members, loved ones, neighbors, friends and co-workers of people in recovery. Behavioral health is an essential part of overall health and wellness and is a part of Live Well San Diego, the county’s vision to improve the health and safety of all area residents.

Recovery Happens will also feature music, entertainment, shared stories, food, fitness demonstrations and other fun activities.

People with substance use disorders or experiencing a mental health issue are encouraged to seek help by calling the county’s access and crisis line at (888) 724-7240 or 211 San Diego.