Current Grantees

Awareness Months

On this page we will highlight national awareness months related to mental health and substance use/misuse.

September is National Recovery Month 

“Recovery is REAL (Restoring Every Aspect of Life) for everyone.”

September was established as National Recovery Month in 1989 to celebrate the strength and progress of people in recovery from substance use and mental health challenges. It is also a time to celebrate the people and communities that create spaces where recovery can grow and thrive. National Recovery Month raises awareness about what recovery can look like and to highlight the evidence-based practices and supports that can help people along the way. An important part of National Recovery Month is reducing stigma. Stigma can make it harder for people to reach out for help or feel supported, so it is important to remember that recovery is not linear and does not look the same for everyone. Recovery is personal, and every person’s path is different. By seeing the whole person, including their strengths, experiences, goals, and potential, we can help create communities where people feel respected, encouraged, and supported.

Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse (CJMHSA) Reinvestment Grant programs support recovery through increasing access to recovery support services, peer support, and community partnerships.

Resources:

• SAMHSA National Recovery Month Toolkit

• General Information: Understanding Drug Overdoses and Deaths | Drug Overdose | CDC Injury Center

• A Proclamation on National Recovery Month, 2024 | The White House
• Peer Support Workers for those in Recovery
• National Federation of Families (NFF): Tips for Families, Parents and Caregivers to Navigating the Transition Years
• Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF): Navigating the Transition Years
• CDC Recovery Month Toolkit 
• Stigma Reduction

Reinvestment Grantees Client Success Stories:

LH886 Lee County EMPOWER Lee Program:

When this client first began working with Empower Lee and SalusCare, he was taking an important step toward creating a healthier and more stable future. Through participation in the SalusCare 28 Detox Program and Transitional Living Center, he was provided with the structure, resources, and support needed to begin rebuilding his life.

Throughout the program, he demonstrated commitment, determination, and a willingness to embrace the tools and guidance available to him. He successfully completed the program, marking an important milestone in his journey.

But the progress did not stop there.

With continued support from Empower Lee and SalusCare, he went on to secure full-time employment, gaining not only financial stability but also a renewed sense of purpose, responsibility, and confidence in his ability to move forward.

Most recently, he reached another significant milestone: transitioning from transitional living into independent living.

Today, he feels prepared to take on life’s challenges independently. He recognizes that the tools, resources, and support he received throughout his journey have helped equip him for this next chapter.

This success story is a powerful reminder that recovery and stability are built one step at a time. Through perseverance, support, and a commitment to change, he has moved from completing a structured program to achieving employment and, ultimately, establishing an independent life.

His journey demonstrates what is possible when individuals are given the opportunity, resources, and support to build a stronger future.

LH885 I.M. Sulzbacher Center (Duval County):

"When Donald first came into the Mental Health Offender Program, he refused everything from basic necessities to services, and especially housing. He had a sleeping bag that he kept close and wouldn’t let out of his sight. It represented the life he knew and, the security he had created for himself. As time passed and Donald began to build trust with the MHOP team, things slowly started to change.

After some convincing he eventually agreed to spend a weekend at the MHOP transitional house. That weekend became more than just a temporary stay it became the beginning of a new chapter. Donald remained at the house until he was able to transition into permanent supportive housing. 

Having somewhere to truly call home changed Donald. His confidence grew, his smile became a constant, and he remained consistent and engaged in all things MHOP. Even more meaningful is the way he now encourages and supports his fellow MHOP peers, often using his own journey as proof that change is possible.

Donald’s journey through MHOP reminds us that progress doesn’t always happen overnight. Sometimes it begins with trust, patience, consistency, and someone believing in you until you are ready to believe in yourself. Donald is a true example of resilience, growth, and the power of having a place to call home."