The Maui Health Agency recognizes essential workers for the 30th anniversary of National Addiction Professionals Day

The 30th anniversary of National Addiction Professionals Day is Sept. 20, at a time when overdoses are on the rise across the country.

Maui Behavioral Health Resources and its three agencies—Aloha House, Malama Family Recovery Center, and Maui Youth and Family Services—recognize the critical role its own addiction professionals play in the health system and continuum of care.

One of those critical addiction experts is Roxanne Feytera, program coordinator at Malama Family Recovery Center. As an addict herself, she knows firsthand how important addiction professionals are.

“My journey with Malama Family Rehabilitation Center began on August 4, 2012,” she said in a news release. “I was 26 years old and addicted to meth and prescription drugs. My two children lived with my parents. And, I don’t care if I live or die. Malama changed that for me. This program gave me the tools, the support, and most importantly, the confidence in myself to stay clean. The staff here have made me see that I am worth it. ”

After nearly 10 years, Feytera is out of drugs and labor.

“I can be part of a team that brings love and light to the women and children in our community,” she said. “I can help show that women have value. They deserve to be happy, healthy and free from drugs and alcohol. We care and we’re here.”

It was started in 1992 by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors to commemorate the daily efforts of addiction professionals.

As a local substance abuse and mental health services organization, Maui Behavioral Health Resources has helped nearly 8,000 individuals and families in the Maui community by 2021.

“We are proud of our amazing team,” said Jude Cunningham, CEO of Maui Behavioral Health Resources. “Every addiction treatment professional is committed to helping clients, working tirelessly to make sure they feel safe and cared for. Recovery practices and evidence-based treatment are important to our community.

National Addictions Day is celebrated annually in September as part of National Recovery Month, which aims to raise awareness and awareness of mental health and substance use disorders and celebrate people in recovery.

If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse, help is confidential and available 24/7.

For more information about Maui Behavioral Health Resources, the three affiliated agencies or Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Services, visit www.mbhr.org or call 808-579-8414.