Georgia Recovers Bus to Make Local Stops Next Monday
Throughout National Recovery Month in September, the Georgia Recovers Bus will make 63 stops in communities across Georgia, including Mount Vernon and Vidalia on Monday, September 16.
The Georgia Recovers Bus Tour is an official State of Georgia National Recovery Month event funded by Commissioner Kevin Tanner at the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and supported by the Georgia General Assembly Working Group on Addiction and Recovery. The Georgia Council for Recovery is the exclusive statewide partner with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities for the tour.
Every stop is free and open to the public. Along the way, the bus tour will highlight local peers in recovery, families impacted by addiction, and allies who support recovery.
There are three types of stops: Proclamation Stop where local leaders present a National Recovery Month proclamation in support of people living in recovery and families impacted by addiction Policy Stop – where local stakeholders have a diverse community conversation on how addiction and recovery impacts communities Celebration Stop – a celebration with free food, entertainment, and fellowship celebrating the hope and joy of recovery where hundreds of community members join together to show that recovery happens in communities. Celebration stops highlight local success stories for those who have been impacted by addiction.
The bus will make a policy stop on Monday, September 16, from 1 until 3 p.m., at Brewton Parker College in Mount Vernon. The bus will be coming to Vidalia on September 16 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the City Stage in downtown Vidalia for a celebration stop. The public is invited to attend this free event.
Craig George, Executive Director for Gardens of Hope in Toombs County, said, 'I am thrilled to be part of the Recovers Bus Tour Stop in Vidalia. At Gardens of Hope, our mission is to offer unwavering support and resources to those affected by substance use disorder. This tour is a vital opportunity to showcase that recovery is not only possible but is happening every day in our communities. Together, we will celebrate the strength of recovery and continue to advocate for those on their journey to healing.'
Commissioner Tanner said, “I am excited for the Georgia Recovers Bus Tour. My team remains committed to providing support for vulnerable Georgians impacted by the addiction epidemic. The statewide tour will combine serious policy conversations with fun celebration concerts. It is important to reach everyone as we show Georgia that ‘recovery is real.’ ” Laurisa Guerrero, Executive Director for the Georgia Council for Recovery, noted, 'The Georgia Council for Recovery is honored to serve as the exclusive statewide partner for the Georgia Recovers Bus Tour with DBHDD. This standalone project is Georgia grown and Georgia run encompassing the spirit and voice of the Georgia Recovery Community. We are proud to partner with our local recovery community hosts to bring a uniquely Georgia message of the hope and joy of recovery.'
Jeff Breedlove, Strategic Policy Advisor for the Georgia Council for Recovery, pointed out, 'The number one cause of death in America, including Georgia, for people 18-45 is overdose. The good news is that 'recovery is real!’ There are over 900,000 people in communities across Georgia in recovery from addiction. The Georgia Recovers Bus Tour will bring the hope and joy of recovery to families across Georgia as it saves lives, restores families, and strengthens communities.'
Jon Langston, Tour Manager for the Georgia Recovers Bus Tour, explained that the Georgia Recovers Bus Tour is connecting people and communities across Georgia. “The opposite of addiction is connection. This historic bus tour will break down the stigma surrounding addiction and show that Georgia supports the people impacted by the addiction epidemic. When Georgia comes together, we can build stronger families, a stronger workforce, and stronger communities.'
