News Summary
As National Recovery Month unfolds, San Diego and Colorado are implementing initiatives to tackle opioid addiction and homelessness. In Colorado, Governor Jared Polis inaugurated the Sage Ridge Supportive Residential Community, which integrates housing and healthcare for individuals facing substance use disorder. Meanwhile, San Diego hosted the 21st Annual Strut for Sobriety, celebrating recovery while supporting various programs. Highlighting the importance of tailored care, both states emphasize community engagement and integrated strategies in their approach to these pressing challenges.
San Diego and Colorado are both taking significant steps to address opioid addiction and homelessness as September marks National Recovery Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating recovery journeys. More than 2.5 million Americans are currently affected by opioid use disorder, highlighting the urgency of effective intervention strategies.
Waheeda Sabah, the Federal Grants Branch Chief for the California Department of Healthcare Services, indicated that Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is crucial for individuals battling opioid addiction. Successful recovery requires the right treatment, support, and resources, emphasizing the importance of tailored care for those in need.
In Colorado, Governor Jared Polis has inaugurated the Sage Ridge Supportive Residential Community aimed at supporting individuals dealing with substance use disorder (SUD) and homelessness. This new facility adopts a holistic approach to recovery, integrating housing with comprehensive health care services, fostering a nurturing environment for residents looking to regain stability in their lives.
The Sage Ridge facility features 192 residence hall beds and 26 withdrawal management beds. It has been constructed on the site of the former Ridge View Youth Services Center, repurposed specifically for this purpose. Its strategic location near amenities like the Southlands Shopping Mall and relevant medical facilities, including the VA Hospital, further enhances the accessibility of care for residents.
Public-private partnerships have been underscored as integral in addressing the intertwined challenges of addiction and homelessness, with significant investments made in recent years. In 2022, federal allocations were unprecedented in their support of Colorado’s homeless community, indicating a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle these societal issues.
Shalley Harrow, a peer specialist and Fort Lyon program graduate, expressed how the Sage Ridge model has transformed her recovery experience, highlighting the facility as a beacon of hope and change. In a related event in San Diego, the community gathered for the 21st Annual Strut for Sobriety on September 6, a celebration combining fashion and community engagement to honor sobriety and recovery paths.
The Strut for Sobriety supports programs by A New PATH, including initiatives aimed at overdose prevention and naloxone training, further reflecting the community’s commitment to recovery and support. The County Behavioral Health Services (BHS) encourages individuals to engage in sharing their recovery stories throughout National Recovery Month as a means of fostering community spirit and understanding. BHS, which serves over 111,000 San Diego County residents, plays a pivotal role in offering mental health and substance use services.
For those in crisis or seeking behavioral health resources, the Access and Crisis Line operates 24/7, available at 888-724-7240 or 9-8-8. This support service stands as an accessible lifeline for anyone needing immediate assistance, reiterating the significance of ongoing community support during National Recovery Month.
The initiatives launched in both California and Colorado reflect a growing recognition of the importance of integrative care strategies in the battle against opioid addiction and homelessness. Through combined efforts and community engagement, these states aim to foster recovery journeys and alleviate the effects of these pressing societal challenges.
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Additional Resources
- CBS 8: September is National Recovery Month
- Google Search: National Recovery Month
- Hoodline: Colorado Launches Sage Ridge Community
- Google Scholar: National Recovery Month
- Times of San Diego: Annual Strut for Sobriety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Opiate Addiction
- County News Center: County Invites Community for National Recovery Month
- Google News: Recovery Community
- Hoodline: Pennsylvania Hosts Recovery in Nature Event
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
