EATON — The Preble County Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership (SAPP) held a Better Life BBQ on Wednesday, June 13, to spread hope for recovery. According to Mindy Grubbs, Community Development and Outreach with Preble County Mental Health and Recovery Board, the goal of this event was to encourage community members in recovery and get them connected with local resources.
Preble County SAPP is an organization comprised of different community leaders, all coming together to beat addiction in the county. They meet monthly to discuss the drug problems in the area and how they can be proactive in fighting it.
The Better Life BBQ brought residents together to the Eagles Point parking lot to enjoy hot dogs, chips, music, door prizes, and different organizational booths. The Bistro and Residences at Eagles point donated space, assistance, and work, while Silfex donated the food which was served.
“The goal behind this is to encourage and support those who are in recovery and their families. Part of the way to encourage them is to have a free meal and games for kids. The tables are to give them information and help them continue their recovery journey,” Grubbs said.
“Most organizations who are here have therapists and counselors for recovery. There is also a health care place and those who help with transportation. We want people to come out today to know their community supports them and that there are resources to help with recovery and saying goodbye to substance abuse.”
According to Mental Health and Recovery Board Executive Director Amy Raynes, this event not only provided a fun community event to spread hope, but it also spread awareness for area resources to those who could use them.
“I don’t think many people realize the amount of services we offer in the county and the amount of support the recovery community has from local leaders,” Raynes said. “This is showing support by law enforcement, providers, leaders of the community, but also the recovery community themselves.
“I think SAPP is important for education and prevention efforts, but for individuals who don’t know a lot about the recovery community, but also for the recovery community so we can bring the community together as a whole.”
Grubbs added, “This affects a lot of people. As soon as we start to get a grip on heroin, it comes out in another form. The drug dealers are constantly coming up with different things to entice people. It is a real issue.”
“It is important to focus on addiction, not a specific drug,” Raynes said.
SAPP is hoping to do one more event like this during the summer. If you need help with addiction or services, contact the Preble County Mental Health and Recovery Board at 937-456-6827.
