For the Tomahawk Leader
RHINELANDER – To better support the path to recovery, partners in Oneida County are working to reduce substance use stigma by growing awareness through a celebration of recovery and building connections to local recovery support services.
The public is invited to attend the annual “Light Up the Night for Recovery” outdoor event in the Hodag Park Amphitheater in Rhinelander on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The event is being held as part of National Recovery Month.
The free, family-friendly evening will include a community resource fair, games, refreshments, raffle prizes and a time for story-sharing.
A release from the Oneida County Substance Use Coalition said the event is a “time to celebrate recovery, remember those who were lost and connect with recovery support.”
“Mental health and substance use disorders affect all communities, people from all walks of life, and all age groups,” the release stated. “Every September, National Recovery Month celebrates communities who are proud and stand together in recovery. It reminds us that ‘Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.’”
“A substance use disorder can happen to anyone,” said Tekia, Program Coordinator and Instructor at Nicolet College. “Some individuals are at higher risk of developing a disorder. Risk factors include difficulty coping, a person’s social environment, untreated behavioral issues and, for some individuals, genetics. It has nothing to do with a person’s character or will power. Recovery is real when people receive the support they need when they need it. As a community, we can support one another by creating an environment where resources are available and people feel safe seeking help.”
“It can be hard to understand substance use disorder,” said Jenny Chiamulera, Community Health Specialist at the Oneida County Health Department. “The Light Up the Night for Recovery Event embraces local speakers as they share their stories. Lived experience is valuable and storytelling is a powerful tool used to provide information and help us understand what substance use disorder really is. This year, we are excited to welcome Tom Farley, the brother of beloved actor Chris Farley, as he shares his story of Growing up Farley: A Story of Addiction, Love, and Forgiveness.”
In his presentation, Farley talks about how we all play a first responder role to our friends and loved ones experiencing substance use and mental health concerns. He chronicles his lifelong journey with his brother, Chris Farley, touching on lessons learned and the impact substance use had on his family.
“People with substance use and mental health disorders need community support on their pathway to recovery,” the release stated. “Remember, with the right treatment, support and resources, recovery is possible.”
Available resources include:
- Tri-County Crisis Number (Forest, Oneida, Vilas counties): 1-888-299-1188
- American Indian Quitline: Call 1-833-9AL-QUIT (1-833-924-7848)
- Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line: Text READY to 200-400 or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
- Dial 211: local resources and referrals
- Text or call 988 for 24/7 crisis support
- Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
For more information on the Light up the Night event and other initiatives happening in Oneida County, contact Jenny Chiamulera at [email protected] or 715-369-6186.