Mayor Walsh announces interfaith service celebrating hope and recovery

This service falls within National Recovery Month, proclaimed by President Barack Obama, and highlights that every day, resilient Americans with substance use disorders summon extraordinary courage and strength and commit to living healthy and productive lives through recovery.  

"It's important that we face this epidemic as a community, and our faith leaders play an integral role in helping our neighborhoods stay strong," said Mayor Walsh. "I am pleased to have so many leaders join me in reminding the city that as our friends, families and neighbors struggle through addiction, we all must have hope that recovery is on the horizon."  

The Mayor will be joined by Boston-based leaders of various faiths.   The service will be held from 7PM - 8PM in City Hall on the 3rd Floor Mezzanine. All are welcome to attend and should enter the building through the Congress Street entrance. The event will be handicap accessible.   Earlier this week, the Mayor announced a series of events celebrating September as National Recovery Month. A major part of National Recovery Month will be the 10th Annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day ("Take-Back Day") to be held on Saturday, September 26 from 10AM to 2PMat Boston Medical Center (BMC). Take-Back Day is a national initiative aimed at encouraging the public to dispose of expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs that are prone to abuse and theft. During this time, residents can drop unwanted prescription drugs at sites sponsored by local law enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  

Understanding the unique needs that those in recovery face, earlier this year Mayor Walsh announced the launch of the Office of Recovery Services. The Office, which is under the oversight of the Boston Public Health Commission, is working to improve existing addiction and recovery services, advocate for treatment options, and help those fighting addiction navigate the city's available resources  in order to create a continuum of high quality treatment and recovery services. Other events during National Recovery Month include:

• The Gavin Foundation Recovery Month Celebration: Friday, September 18. Doors open at 6:30PM. The event is free and open to both the public and members of the media. The event will honor local activists and elected officials, and will also have Doug Bell and Bellevue Cadillac in concert. Resource tables will have representatives from area recovery groups and organizations. IBEW Hall, 256 Freeport Street, Dorchester
   
• Allston-Brighton 12th Annual Walk for Recovery: Saturday, September 19. Registration begins at 9:00AM, walk begins at 10:00AM. The walk will start from Artesani/Herter Park in Brighton, and include recovery speakers, a DJ, free t-shirts and an opportunity to meet with elected officials. Artesani/Herter Park, 1175 Soldiers Field Road, Brighton
   
• MOAR 25th Annual Recovery Day Celebration: Monday, September 21. The Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR) will host a walk from City Hall to the State House, followed by a day of celebration at the State House.  The walk will begin at 9:00AM, State House events will begin at 10AM. 
   
• Family Recovery Day: Friday, September 25. In honor of Recovery Month, BPHC's peer-led Safe and Sound Recovery Center is holding a special Family Recovery Day event, promoting the important connections between healthy family relationships and long-term recovery. Come join us for food, games and crafts, as well as special recovery-oriented activities. The event will run  9:00AM to 3:00PM. 774 Albany Street, South End
   
• Charlestown 7th Annual Candlelight Vigil: The Vigil, beginning at 6:30PM, will remember those who lost their battle with drugs and alcohol and give hope to those still struggling with addiction. The Vigil will also support individuals and families involved with addiction or recovery so they understand they are part of a larger community, and that they are not alone in their struggle. Hayes Square, Bunker Hill and Vine streets, Charlestown
   
• Devin Recovery Center Cookout & Vigil: The event, beginning at2:00PM, will celebrate recovery and will include recovery speakers, outdoor games, a raffle and music. 70 Devine Way, South Boston
   
• Transformation Center's 5kFlight: Peer Run/Walk for Mental Wellness:Sunday, September 27. The 5k will begin in Jamaica Plain and promotes exercise as a tool in recovering and sustaining mental wellness. Registration and packet pick-up will being at 9:30AM. Inspirational Speeches will begin at 10:45AM and the race/walk will start at 11:00AM. Registration is available online and by mail, and includes: Entry, T-Shirt for the first 250 registrants, snacks & finisher medal. Jamaica Pond Boathouse, 507 Jamaicaway, Jamaica Plain
   
• South Boston Candlelight Vigil: Sunday, September 27. A candlelight vigil will be held at 6:30PM, hosted by the South Boston Hope and Recovery Coalition. Farragut Park, Farragut Road, South Boston
   
• Body, Mind, Spirit Awareness Day at STEPRox Recovery Center:Monday, September 28. The free indoor and outdoor event will include free presentations and information sessions on addiction, recovery and addiction-related illnesses. The event will last from 11:00AM - 5:30PM. STEPRox Recovery Center, 9 Palmer Street, Roxbury