Supporters, recovering people and event organizers walk down Front Street on Saturday at the 3rd Annual Recovery Walk in Marietta. (Photo by James Dobbs)

Marietta — Supporters, people in recovery, and behavioral health providers gathered at East Muskingum Park on Saturday for the third annual Recovery Walk.

The event featured a 2-mile walk, information booths, free t-shirts, and produce sales.

Tara Prower, a recovery advocate for the Washington County Behavioral Health Commission, said the event honors National Recovery Month in September.

“The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of recovery, how beautiful it is and to strengthen our recovery community because we are growing, contributing as members of society and Because we are doing our part.” she said.

Prower said the WCBHB-sponsored event is a collaboration between Peer Solutions, Angels Harbor, Washington County Department of Health, Washington County Right Path, Behavioral Health Integrated Services, Spero Health, Medmark, and Our Legacy Day Drop-In Center in Washington State. Thing. County Homeless Project, House of Hope, Southeastern Ohio Counseling Services, Hopewell Health, Oriana House, Rigel Recovery Services, Buckeye Hills. She said these groups do their part to help those seeking recovery.

Supporters, people in recovery, and event organizers walk down Front Street on Saturday during the 3rd Annual Recovery Walk in Marietta. (Photo by James Dobbs)

“Together, we are trying to provide all the resources we can to strengthen recovery for everyone.” she said. “That’s what we all need, not just one.”

Prower said behavioral health providers like the Washington County Department of Health are providing what they need for the event by offering free Narcan training to attendees. Narcan is an opioid overdose treatment. She said the department also distributes Deterra, a drug deactivation and disposal system.

Prower said a new addition to this year’s recovery walk is the produce stand. She said recovery is about mind, body, and spirit, and what you’re putting into your body is an important part of the process. He said he was able to provide young people and families with fresh produce at the event.

“This is really about getting kids to make healthy choices and think about what they’re putting into their bodies, and it all starts with food.” she said. “We recognize that recovery and treatment are very important, so this is a continuum of care.”

Attendee Carri Holloway said recovery is important to her and that she can help show others that it’s possible. She said her recovery was possible with the help of Angels Harbor, a faith-based healing facility.

David Brown, Director of the Washington County Behavioral Health Commission, Tara Prower, Recovery Advocate for WCBHB, Cathy Harper, Right Path for Washington County, and George Goddard, Assistant Director of WCBHB, joined forces to Helped the recovery walk go smoothly. (Photo by James Dobbs)

“I’ve been using it since I was 12.” she said. “I didn’t know Jesus until about two years ago. I didn’t take[recovery]seriously until I came to Angels.”

Participant Jasmine Fluharty has been using Facetiming for family recovery as a way to develop healthier family relationships. Fluharty explained that her family has used methamphetamine for her 25 years. Fluharty herself has previously been involved with her family and brought them to their attention, “conforms” with their friends. She said her experience was so traumatic that she would never use it again.

“It’s a good relationship, especially if she’s doing well and I’m actually really proud of her.” she said. “She finally took it to heart that I needed help and needed recovery. It’s like the biggest step.”

Fluharty was happy to attend the event and said people in recovery should get out and do more exercise, keep their minds busy and off drugs.

Doug Terrell, marketing manager for Wendy’s, said they participated in the Recovery Walk to help get Washington County on the right track. Recovery holds a special place in his heart because Terell hired several people in recovery to work at the local Wendy’s restaurant. People were promoted to management positions.

Doug Terrell, marketing manager for Wendy’s, sorts produce at a food stand at the 3rd Annual Recovery Walk at East Muskingum Park in Marietta on Saturday. (Photo by James Dobbs)

“We’re always looking for good people, but we’ve found that there are really good people out there. They just need the opportunity.” He said. “The two people I’m talking to have both purchased new cars in the last two years. He said.

Terrell said one of her two employees is in the process of regaining custody of her daughter and buying a home.

“I feel better” He said.

James Dobbs can be reached at jdobbs@newsandsentinel.com.

People can be seen choosing free produce at food stands during the 3rd Annual Recovery Walk at Marietta’s East Muskingham Park on Saturday. (Photo by James Dobbs)

Participants at Angels Harbor, a faith-based treatment facility in Vincent, participated in Saturday’s third annual Recovery Walk to show support and raise awareness of recovery. (Photo by James Dobbs)

Participants dance in the Muskingum parking lot during Saturday’s 3rd Annual Recovery Walk at East Muskingum Park in Marietta. (Photo by James Dobbs)