The Medina County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 2 voted unanimously to declare September as National Recovery Month and recognized local recovery resources. Commissioners approved the proclamation during their regular meeting and invited representatives from Hope Recovery Community and the Medina County Mental Health and Recovery Board to speak.

The proclamation, read by a commissioner during the meeting, notes that National Recovery Month is “a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives,” and it recognizes the Medina County agencies that support recovery.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the proclamation highlights local services and the county’s investment in recovery supports, while community providers used the recognition to describe local changes in attitudes and available services.

During the presentation, Sammy Wonkovich, director of peer services for Hope Recovery Community, identified himself as a person in long-term recovery and said he has been abstinent from drugs and alcohol for more than seven years. He thanked the commissioners and the Mental Health and Recovery Board for their investment and called out community efforts to reduce stigma.

A representative from the Medina County Mental Health and Recovery Board also addressed the commissioners, noting that local overdose numbers have decreased but that further work remains. The board representative invited residents to use the services and said Hope Recovery Community has been operating in Medina County for nearly eight years.

No formal action beyond the proclamation was taken. The vote to approve the proclamation was taken by roll call; commissioners recorded affirmative votes in support of the declaration.

The recognition follows ongoing county efforts to coordinate behavioral-health resources with local providers; commissioners and board staff said they appreciate continued community involvement.

Representatives from Hope Recovery Community and the Mental Health and Recovery Board joined commissioners at the dais for the presentation and photographs following the vote.