First Ever Pittsburgh Recovery Walk Planned For September 2016

PITTSBURGH, March 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, September 10, 2016, the City of Pittsburgh will host the first annual Pittsburgh Recovery Walk through Downtown Pittsburgh. The Recovery Walk will celebrate people in recovery, professionals who support recovery, family members, community members, and anyone whose life has been touched by addiction or recovery. The event is part of Pittsburgh's Bicentennial Celebration and will also be held during National Recovery Month recognized during the month of September.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto will lead the Recovery Walk down Liberty Avenue, which will be followed by a Recovery Expo in Market Square with speakers, music, shopping, wellness activities, workshops and more.

"This inaugural event in our city celebrates those who have recovered and who work diligently in the recovery community," said Peduto. "Together we can dispel the stigma surrounding drug and alcohol addiction and honor those individuals who have achieved and support long-term recovery."

Stigma is an unnecessary barrier to finding help for addiction. The Pittsburgh Recovery Walk aims to counteract that stigma and encourage dialogue about the process and possibility of recovering from addiction. During the Recovery Walk Expo, City Council President Bruce Kraus will share his personal story of recovery and explain why recovery is an important force in Pittsburgh. 

"In these troubling times when addiction is so present, it's important to take time to celebrate grace, and the people living happy, sober, and free lives," said Kraus.

Over 20 million Americans have overcome addiction, and during a time when deaths from painkillers and heroin are rising dramatically, sharing recovery stories is particularly important. Experts agree that there is no one-size-fits-all addiction treatment. Therefore, Pittsburgh's 2016 Recovery Walk celebrates the diversity of recovery experiences. 

"Public recognition of recovery means a lot to me. It reminds me of how far I've come and motivates me to keep striving and gives me confidence that I can be who I really am without fear of disapproval," said Jordan Pearlman, a Pittsburgh resident who is in long-term recovery. "It's a chance to have a positive effect on someone else's life by being open about my own process."

The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend. To learn more, please visit pghrecoverywalk.org.

About The Pittsburgh Recovery Walk
The Pittsburgh Recovery Walk is an annual event that aims to dispel the negative stigma associated with recovery from addiction, and instead celebrate the many roads to recovery and all those who have traveled them. Addiction affects everyone – but so does recovery. To learn more, please visit pghrecoverywalk.org.

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SOURCE Pittsburgh Recovery Walk

Related Links

http://www.pghrecoverywalk.org