HAZARD – Overcoming a substance abuse addiction is difficult, but it can be done.
That is the message of the UNITE Hope Wall, which can be viewed at the Perry County Judicial Center through Friday, February 28.
Unveiled last August, the Hope Wall demonstrates that addiction has no boundaries, that all walks of life are affected. Approximately 150 individuals who are now in recovery and living clean and sober lives are pictured.
“The wall symbolizes to those who have a problem with substance abuse, or have a family member who has a problem, that there is help available,” said Chief Circuit Court Judge William Engle III. “It also gives people a renewed sense of hope. I recognize several of the individuals on display. One is now a case worker with the Perry County Drug Court.”
Providing inspiration and encouragement to seek help for an addiction, or for those currently in treatment or recovery, is the primary reason for the Hope Wall.
“A majority of people featured on the Hope Wall have received a UNITE Treatment Voucher to help them overcome a substance abuse addiction,” noted Dan Smoot, UNITE president/CEO. “These are people who may have otherwise continued down a destructive path of drugs.”
“More than 3,300 people – including 260 Perry County residents – have entered a substance abuse treatment program using a UNITE voucher since the initiative began in 2005,” Smoot said. “These individuals have been given an opportunity to reclaim their lives.”
“I think the work that UNITE has done with its voucher program and assistance with Drug Courts throughout the region is very important,” Judge Engle agreed. “The people who are pictured on this wall are evidence of that.”
Treatment vouchers for short-term or long-term residential treatment are available to low-income residents of the 32 counties served by UNITE across southern and eastern Kentucky. For more information call UNITE’s Treatment Help-Line at 1-866-908-6483.
Anyone who has been in recovery for at least 18 months is eligible to be featured on the wall.