By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Saline County Commissioners have officially proclaimed September as "Recovery Month."
During the Saline County Commission meeting on Tuesday, August 12th, Kansas Certified Peer Mentor & Harm Reduction Specialist for CKF Addiction Treatment, Justin Keen spoke to county commissioners about officially proclaiming September as "Recovery Month" across Saline County.
According to CKF, "Recovery Month" is a time to recognize the strength, resilience and hope found in recovery. It’s a chance to celebrate individuals and families who are healing and to raise awareness about the resources and support available in the community. CKF solely believes that recovery is possible and is committed to walking alongside those on that journey.
Keen stated that he is a person-in-recovery and emphasizes those who are currently struggling with addiction. He expressed the support he received from others during his recovery journey.
"I spent many years in addiction and I know what it is like to be there and to feel hopeless," said Keen. "One really important thing for me was the people who believed in me and loved me when I could not myself. This is why I love the work that I do at CKF."
With this proclamation, Keen hopes to 'break the stigma' when it comes the negative outlook people struggling with addiction may experience.
"Addicts are not horrible people, they are people who are stuck in a bad place," he said. "They may do bad things, but they are not bad people."
CKF will celebrate Recovery Month with a celebration on Saturday, September 6 at 617 E. Elm Street from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm. The event will be a family-friendly evening full of music, food, memories and fun. Testimonies will have a chance to get shared and messages of hope as CKF and the community can come together in strength, remembrance and celebration.
During the event, CKF will honor the life and legacy of Don Greene, former Director of Pathfinder Recovery Services. Don Greene was a mentor, leader and friend whose belief in recovery helped shape CKF. He built lasting programs, guided many of us, and brought heart and humor to everything he did.
The event is open and free to the public and CKF encourages the community to attend, learn and connect. Lawn chairs are encouraged.
Link to make a donation to CKF: https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/donation/
Looking ahead
Additionally, CKF will be expanding their services with a new youth-focused space coming soon to 509 E. Elm Street.
Designed for youth ages 12–17, this welcoming environment "The Nest at Pathfinder" will offer support, peer services, education, life skills, family support and more. Pathfinder Recovery Center is also rebranding as Pathfinder Community Center and relocating in 2025, with the same commitment to care and connection in a refreshed space.
For more information about CKF Addiction Treatment: https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/
About Recovery Month
National Recovery Month Cause: Promote awareness of mental health and substance use recovery and reduce the stigma surrounding these disorders.
National Recovery month is dedicated to supporting those in recovery from mental health and substance use disorders. Throughout September, organizations spread awareness, educate the public, and celebrate the achievements of people in recovery while reinforcing the message that treatment is effective, and recovery is possible. Why it is important: In 2023 alone, more than 54 million people in the US needed treatment for substance abuse disorders. However, only 23% of those received the treatment they needed due to cost, feelings of shame, or a lack of access to appropriate help. Even more worryingly, the relapse rate for substance use disorders is 40-60%.
National Recovery Month promotes understanding and support for individuals and families affected by mental health or substance use disorders and raises awareness of treatment options.