Washington County Behavioral Health Board Hosts Third Recovery Walk News, Sports, Jobs

Supporters, people in recovery and event organizers walk down Front Street in Marietta Saturday for the 3rd Annual Recovery Walk. (Photo by James Dobbs)

MARIETTA – Supporters, people in recovery and behavioral health providers gathered at East Muskingum Park on Saturday for the 3rd annual Recovery Walk.

The event featured a two-mile walk, informational booths, free t-shirts and a product stand.

Tara Plager, a recovery advocate for the Washington County Board of Behavioral Health, said the event marks National Recovery Month in September.

“The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of recovery, how beautiful it is and to help strengthen our recovery community, because we’re growing, and we’re contributing members of the community and doing our part.” She said.

Plager said the WCBHB event was sponsored by Peer Solutions, Angel’s Harbor, Washington County Health Department, Right Way for Washington County, Integrated Behavioral Health Services, Spero Health, Medmark, Our Heritage Day Drop In Center, Washington County Homeless Project, House of Hope, Southeast. Ohio Counseling Services, Hopewell Health, Oriana House, Rigel Recovery Services and Buckeye Hills. She said these groups are doing their part to support those seeking recovery.

Supporters, people in recovery and event organizers will walk Front Street in Marietta Saturday for the 3rd Annual Recovery Walk. (Photo by James Dobbs)

“We’re all going to come together and try to provide whatever resources we can to strengthen everyone’s recovery.” She said. “That’s why, it’s not just one, it takes everything.”

Plager said behavioral health providers, such as the Washington County Health Department, provide free Narcan training to attendees and provide an important element to the event. Narcan is an opioid overdose treatment. She said that he is going through the Deterra drug elimination and disposal system.

Plager said a new addition to this year’s Recovery Walk is a produce stand. She says recovery is about mind, body and spirit, and what you put into your body is an important part of the process. Thanks to the support of Cathy Harper, Washington County’s Right Way, they were able to provide fresh produce to youth and families at the event.

“It’s about getting kids to make healthy choices and think about what they’re putting in their bodies, and it all starts with food.” She said. “We understand that recovery and treatment are very important, so it’s a continuum of care.”

Carrie Holloway, a participant, said that her recovery is important to help show others that it is possible. She says recovery is possible through her relationship with Jesus and the help of Angel’s Harbor, a faith-based treatment facility in Vincent.

David Brown, Director of the Washington County Behavioral Health Board, Tara Plager, Recovery Advocate at WCBHB, Kathy Harper, Right Path of Washington County, and WCBHB Assistant Director George Goddard worked together to help the recovery journey go smoothly. (Photo by James Dobbs)

“I’ve been using it since I was 12.” She said. I didn’t know Jesus until two years ago and didn’t take it (recovery) seriously until I came to Angel.

Jasmine Fluharty, participant, found a family member in recovery to be a healthy way to enhance their relationship. Fluhart said her family member had been using methamphetamine for 25 years. Fluharty says she, herself, has used it in the past to connect with said family member, get their attention, and “suitable” with their friends. She said her experience was so traumatic that she would never go back to using again.

“It’s good to do that – a relationship, especially if she’s doing well, and I’m really proud of her.” She said. “Eventually she got the hang of it that I needed help and that she needed to recover. Admitting that you have a problem is the biggest step in recovery.

Fluhart said she was happy to be at the event and said people in recovery should get more exercise to help keep their minds busy and off drugs.

Doug Terrell, marketing manager with Wendy’s, said they attended the recovery walk to support Washington County’s Right Way. Terrell said recovery has a special place in his heart, as he has hired many people in recovery to work at local Wendy’s restaurants. Two of their recruits have risen to positions in management.

Doug Terrell, marketing manager with Wendy’s, identifies products at the food counter during the 3rd Annual Walk for Recovery Saturday at East Muskingum Park in Marietta. (Photo by James Dobbs)

“We’re always looking for good people and we know there are good people out there, they just want the opportunity.” he said. “I mean, they both bought a new car in the last two years.” he said.

Terrell said one of the two employees has a daughter and is in the process of buying a house.

“It makes me feel good.” he said.

James Dobbs can be reached at jdobbs@newsandsentinel.com.

People can be seen picking up free produce at the food counter at the 3rd annual Ride to Recover in East Muskingum Park on Saturday in Marietta. (Photo by James Dobbs)

Attendees from Angel Harbor, a faith-led medical facility in Vincent, came out to the 3rd annual Recovery Walk Saturday to show their support and raise recovery awareness. (Photo by James Dobbs)

Participants of the 3rd annual Ride to Recovery dance in the Muskingum parking lot in East Muskingum Park on Saturday in Marietta. (Photo by James Dobbs)