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September is National Recovery Month and it is important to have open community conversations about addiction and recovery in order to reduce the stigma associated with substance abuse. It is important to recognize that recovery happens and there are resources available to support people on their path to recovery.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent Behavioral Science program, Fish River Rural Health, Northern Maine Medical Center, Life by Design, and AMHC have been working collaboratively to develop and host an event each year that promotes open conversations about recovery.

“The event in Fort Kent began after bringing Behavioral Science students to a recovery event in Presque Isle several years ago,” said UMFK Professor of Counseling, Shawn Graham. “Since that time, we have been expanding the event and community partners.”

“This was our third event and we were unable to host a live event as we have in years’ past,” continued Graham. “The group still wanted to do something to celebrate recovery, raise awareness, and connect people with resources, so we created a video to share.”

The intent behind the video is that the community partners are committed to supporting the needs of their communities. They know that the path to recovery can be made easier for someone who is struggling if they feel supported. The video can be viewed at: https://bit.ly/2HcRnle 

“During this challenging time it is important to try to reach people who are struggling with addiction,” said Doug Levesque LCSW/LADC/CCS, a therapist at Fish River Rural Health. “Helping to encourage them so they know that recovery is possible, it is a journey. We as a community of providers are here to help them with their journey.”

For more information about recovery services in Aroostook County, please go to or call 211. For more information about the September Recovery event, please contact Shawn Graham at shawn.graham@maine.edu.