Editorials

Recovery: Stigmas, stereotypes must be overcome

Last week, Wood County Commissioners announced September will mean "Wood County Goes Purple," in recognition of National Recovery Month. It is a chance to recognize those who are working to overcome mental health and substance use disorders, and to celebrate those in recovery.

It is a choice to focus not on the horrors that have gripped so many, but on the state's united front in fighting them. It is a choice to focus on hope.

"As a born-and-raised, die-hard Mountaineer, (West Virginia Goes Purple Founder and Executive Director Tara Mayson's) passion is deeply rooted in reclaiming our state's identity ... and taking our state back from the label of having the highest overdose rate in the nation," local ambassador Steven Belisky said. "The mission is to shift the narrative so that West Virginia is no longer known for tragedy, but for being the first state in U.S. history to unite across all 55 counties in recovery, awareness and hope."

Though Commissioners Jimmy Colombo and Blair Couch felt compelled to remind the group's representatives there are some here who worry those who come to our area as part of their recovery process might end up staying here; and that it is important to ensure what is available here are "quality recovery services," Belisky tried to allay their fears.

He said those who come here for recovery generally want to return to their homes, and the recovery centers work to make that happen; and that he could vouch for the quality of local services.

"Recovery is about helping people find their way out of the darkness and we are here to do that," he said.

So, as we -- as a community -- reach for hope, let's have some conversations about the truths, stigmas, misconceptions and what we all can do to lift those who need our support and celebrate those further into their recovery journeys. We can get there. Going purple is just the start.