Alliance Medical Services and other drug and alcohol treatment centers are hosting a recovery resource fair in honor of National Recovery Month. The fair will connect addicts and their families to treatment facilities and support groups.
Pam Gehlmann said it’s common knowledge that addiction is a problem in our region. Now, it’s time to spread the word about recovery options.
“People don’t know where to start,” said Pam Gehlmann, the executive director of Alliance Medical Services. “We’ve talked a lot about the awareness, making people aware that there is a problem in the community and we need to follow that up with what steps people can take to actually seek treatment.”
The goal is to help people struggling with addiction overcome barriers to recovery, like getting financial assistance, finding a treatment center and getting a ride there.
“We’re dedicated to getting them the services they need. We just want to save lives,” said Dena Sovecky, the Center of Excellence coordinator for Alliance Medical Services. “They don’t know what to do, they don’t know how to access treatment. The lack of supports in their families or within their systems pose an issue. Also transportation is a huge issue. Getting to the places to access treatment.”
Other barriers include limited space at treatment centers and the stigma surrounding addiction.
“The more we talk about addiction as a disease and understanding that there is help out there. There is hope through treatment. People can go on to live a healthy, productive life in recovery without ongoing use for the rest of their lives,” said Gehlmann.
The September Recovery Month Resource Fair will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 6th from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Central Park in Johnstown.
For more information on treatment options, you can contact the Alliance Medical Services 24/7 helpline: 814-269-4700.