Franklin County proclaims September as National Recovery Month, commissioners applaud local recovery programs

Franklin County commissioners proclaimed September 2025 as National Recovery Month after a presentation by local recovery services staff and a reading of the proclamation.

Joey (Joe) Bailey, recovery oriented systems of care specialist at Franklin Fulton Drug and Alcohol and a person in long-term recovery, described local events and outreach during the month and thanked the commissioners for the proclamation. "First of all, my name is Joe Bailey. I'm the recovery oriented system of care specialist at Franklin Fulton Drug and Alcohol. I'm also somebody that is in long term recovery. So first, I want to thank you, commissioners, for declaring September National Recovery Month," Bailey said. He outlined several community recovery events, including gatherings in Shippensburg and Waynesboro, a recovery spectacular hosted by Pyramid Healthcare, a Hamrun Derby by Noah's House Incorporated, and an annual "Sober September" event at Cowans Gap.

James Egler, Franklin Fulton Drug and Alcohol administrator, also spoke about recovery efforts and thanked the commissioners for supporting positions and programs that expanded local recovery housing and services.

The board's proclamation text, read aloud at the meeting, recognized National Recovery Month and encouraged citizens to participate in programs and activities that support recovery and mental health. The commissioners moved, seconded and approved the proclamation by voice vote, and county staff took photographs following the vote.

Ending: The county will observe National Recovery Month with the events described by county recovery staff; staff and community partners will continue outreach and programming throughout September.