HHS celebrates recovery, resilience during National Recovery Month

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) will celebrate National Recovery Month this September, as proclaimed by Gov. Kelly Armstrong. Read the National Recovery Month proclamation.

The month is a time to celebrate hope and affirm that recovery from addiction and substance misuse challenges is possible. Throughout September, individuals, families, businesses and communities are invited to learn about recovery resources, celebrate recovery and support loved ones.

"Recovery isn't just about one person; it's about all of us. When communities support people in recovery with compassion and understanding, healing becomes possible. I've seen how powerful it is when someone feels truly accepted and supported," said Kenzie Larson, HHS peer support administrator and certified peer support specialist.

Recovery is Possible, and Help is Available

HHS' Behavioral Health Division partners with community agencies throughout the state to help individuals seeking recovery from addiction. Key programs and services include:

• Community Connect: Provides quality, community-based behavioral health services through care coordination and peer support.
• Substance Use Disorder Voucher Program: Reduces financial barriers to accessing treatment and recovery services.
• Recovery Talk: Free, confidential support from trained peer support specialists available 24/7. Call or text 701-291-7901.
• Recovery Housing Assistance Program: Helps eligible individuals cover living expenses in approved recovery housing.

Human Service Centers (Behavioral Health Clinics)

HHS's eight regional human service centers (behavioral health clinics) provide community-based behavioral health and crisis response services across the state, ensuring individuals and families have access to the care and resources they need close to home.

With a donation from the Mountain Plains Addiction Technology Transfer Center, clinics are demonstrating their commitment to recovery through community activities and creative projects during National Recovery Month.

• Northwest Clinic (Williston) - Wall of Hope
  • A community display where individuals can share messages of encouragement, resilience and recovery. The recovery center will also be hosting scrapbooking events to create recovery journals.
• North Central Clinic (Minot) - Fall into Recovery Art Project
  • A seasonal art project showcasing the beauty of transformation and healing through recovery.
• Lake Region Clinic (Devils Lake) - Grow into Recovery Ornaments
  • Participants create ornaments as symbols of growth, resilience and new beginnings.
• Southeast Clinic (Fargo) - Tree Decorating Activity
  • Sept. 22-26. Each day will highlight a different part of recovery, health, environment, community and purpose, leading up to a Friday celebration of recovery.
• South Central Clinic (Jamestown) - Recovery Wall
  • Participants and team members add notes and artwork celebrating recovery journeys and honoring those in recovery.
• West Central Clinic (Bismarck) - Steps Towards Tomorrow Recovery Walk
  • Sept. 30, 6-8 p.m. (CT). A community walk highlighting hope and collective support for recovery.
• Badlands Clinic (Dickinson) - Rocking Recovery Parking Lot Party
  • Sept. 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (MT). A family-friendly event with music, food and games.

More information

For more information about available recovery programs and services, visit hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health or contact the HHS Behavioral Health Division at 701-328-8920, 711 (TTY), or [email protected]. Learn more about behavioral health crisis services at hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/find-services.