Board proclaims September National Recovery and Wellbriety Month; organizers preview Hands Across the Bridge

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 20 proclaimed September 2025 as National Recovery and Wellbriety Month and heard from local recovery organizers about the 17th annual Hands Across the Bridge event planned for Sept. 20 in Waldport.

Gloria (last name not provided) and other recovery-group representatives told the board the event will begin with a meetup at the LC Bay Interpretive Bridge Center parking lot, followed by a celebration at the Waldport Community Center with free lunch and family activities. Local partners named in the presentation included Lincoln County Health and Human Services, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Phoenix Wellness Center, Chance, Reconnections Counseling and local prevention coalitions.

Organizers said planning began earlier in the year and that they expect more family participation this year, with youth activities arranged by a youth coalition and food provided by a culinary program working with local students. The presentation also noted a memorial connection: former district attorney Rob Bovette will speak at the bridge to explain the origins of the Hands Across the Bridge event and to honor Walter Ackerson Jr., whose memorial plaque at the south end of Highway 101 near the Yaquina Bay Bridge has been associated with prior ceremonies.

Commissioner Claire Hall moved the proclamation; Commissioner Casey Miller seconded it and the board approved the proclamation by voice vote. Presenters emphasized the role of recovery month notices in reducing stigma, encouraging treatment, and bringing community members with lived experience into public-facing roles.

The board’s action was limited to issuing the proclamation and expressing formal support for the event and recovery-month activities; no funding decisions were made at the meeting.