September might already be in full swing, but there's still time to get involved in a vital community initiative. According to the County of San Diego, it's National Recovery Month, and the County's Behavioral Health Services (BHS) is rallying locals and organizations alike to support individuals in mental health and addiction recovery. As efforts to highlight these crucial issues intensify, BHS extends a call to action, seeking participation and solidarity within the community.

The objective is clear: to raise awareness and celebrate the journeys of those working toward recovery. According to a release from the County of San Diego, "Evidence-based treatment and recovery practices are available to help people battling substance use and mental health disorders." BHS has also put forward a series of suggestions for how everybody can observe and contribute to National Recovery Month, including sharing personal stories of recovery that can inspire and provide tangible proof of the progress that can be made with the proper support.

One of the key focuses this year, as highlighted by the County of San Diego, is to gather and spotlight stories from those with lived experiences of recovery and narratives of organizations that have significantly impacted an individual's recovery journey. These stories won't just flicker briefly in September; instead, BHS plans to feature them throughout the year, underscoring the diverse and resilient nature of the local recovery community.

For those in need of mental health or substance use disorder services, the County's Behavioral Health Services offers resources to over 111,000 San Diego County residents. In times of crisis or for additional support, the Access and Crisis Line is available at (888) 724-7240 or the newly instituted 9-8-8 number, operational 24/7.