Rogers InHealth Encourages Sharing Video Stories to Celebrate National Recovery Month

OCONOMOWOC, Wis., Sept. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Rogers InHealth, a key corporation of Rogers Behavioral Health System, is celebrating National Recovery Month by encouraging others to share the videos of real-life stories on RogersInHealth.org, including three new videos that highlight those living in recovery.

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"As an organization dedicated to reducing the stigma of mental illness," Sue McKenzie, co-director of Rogers InHealth, said, "we celebrate recovery all year long by sharing the stories of those living successfully with mental illnesses. The three videos we've just added are diverse and demonstrate that recovery is possible for substance abuse and mental illness."

The newly added videos highlight the recovery stories of Lauren, who battles an eating disorder, bipolar disease and addiction; Mark, who lives with alcoholism and serves veterans who struggle with addiction; and Pastor Tim, who shares the role of faith in his recovery from depression and his service to others.

The Role of Recovery Month
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) calls September National Recovery Month and "promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment and recovery for mental and substance use disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover." A public health agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA seeks to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.

"That is so aligned with what we do!" McKenzie said. "We solidly support SAMHSA with its message by doing our part to share these stories of recovery." She added that SAMHSA's "2013 Voice Awards" program brings together representatives from the entertainment industry and behavioral health community for an evening aimed at building awareness. So, too, Rogers InHealth is committed to sharing the courageous stories of real people battling these disorders to educate and inspire others, illustrating that recovery is possible with effective treatment. 

Suzette Urbashich, co-director of Rogers InHealth, indicated that increasing awareness is one reason the organization promotes these stories. "National Recovery Month is certainly one example of our country's move to focus on the hope of recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders. We applaud these efforts, but we also believe it's important to share these real-life stories with others. Most people today know someone affected by a mental disorder or substance abuse. The videos illustrate their struggles, but they also demonstrate the hope of recovery with effective treatment. There's no reason to live with the fear that you're alone if you have a mental illness."

Urbashich added that RogersInHealth.org features a library of videos that are ideal for sharing with a friend or family member. "You might make a difference by sharing a video of someone who is living in recovery," she said. "September 2013 could be not only Recovery Month for our nation, but a true recovery month for someone you love as well."

A key corporation of Rogers Behavioral Health System, Rogers InHealth creates and distributes video stories of recovery to increase understanding, hope and supportive action by people with mental illness and addiction, their friends and family, professionals and the general public. Through key initiatives to promote effective stigma reduction practices, Rogers InHealth provides collaborative leadership in the quest to eliminate the stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination that make up the stigma of mental health. For more information, check www.rogersinhealth.org.

SOURCE Rogers InHealth