Keep New Mexico Alive and city-county partners on Thursday outlined events scheduled for National Recovery Month in September, including a free family celebration at Explora and a week of community events.

Bridal Abeyta, a prevention lead with Keep New Mexico Alive, said the group will host Keep New Mexico Alive Family Fun Night on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Explora Science Center. "The absolutely free event will be focused on connecting and celebrating individuals in recovery, the family and friends who support them along their journey, and the agencies and organizations that have stood alongside them," Abeyta said. The event will feature exhibits, music, food and community resources; organizers asked attendees to RSVP so they can plan food and supplies.

City-county recovery events
City representatives said Albuquerque Celebrates Recovery is in its 10th year and that details are on abqrecovery.org. The city listed an art show on Sept. 5 and the main event on Sept. 12, plus a recovery powwow in the plaza. Chair Adrienne Barboa and other council members encouraged elected officials and staff to attend.

Why it matters: Officials and advocates said centralized, public recovery events build community support for people in recovery and increase awareness of local resources.

Other community announcements
Councilor Rogers announced an International Fest on Sept. 27 in the International District, including park activities and a county-versus-city kickball game; staff said the event will run roughly 3 to 10 p.m.

Ending: Organizers asked the public to share event information, RSVP via the organizers’ websites and attend recovery-month activities across the city and county.