Two nearby parks in Philadelphia and Montgomery County have been included in the Recovery in Nature initiative launched by the Pennsylvania Departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), as well as in the campaign to promote Pennsylvania as the Great American Getaway.
The ‘Recovery in Nature’ initiative will run throughout the month of September in conjunction with National Recovery Month. The goal of National Recovery Month is to come together, celebrate individuals in recovery, and offer hope to those who are struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). It reinforces the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover from the disease of addiction, said state government media relations.
“We know that for those in recovery from a substance use disorder, spending time in nature can be a powerful tool in their journey and provide a boost in both mental and physical health,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “DDAP is proud to partner with DCNR to spotlight the natural beauty and opportunities Pennsylvania has to offer, especially within our regional recovery hubs during such a meaningful time of year.”
There are nine regional recovery hubs, funded by DDAP, across the state. The hubs are designed to embed, expand, and promote a Recovery-Oriented System of Care, which is a coordinated network of community-based services and supports that is person-centered, with the ultimate goal of improving the health, wellness, and quality of life for individuals in recovery from SUD. A corresponding trail or waterway within a state park or trail system near each regional recovery hub was identified by DDAP and DCNR, said state government official.
Two of the nine corresponding trails or waterway exist in nearby parks in Philadelphia and Montgomery counties.
The Benjamin Rush Trail System, Benjamin Rush State Park is in Philadelphia county and there are more than three miles of trails at Benjamin Rush State Park. They are connected, creating a long or short hike, depending on the hiker’s preference. The gravel, multi-use trails wind through forested areas and meadows.
The second nearby park trail, in Montgomery County, is Mill Race Trail, Evansburg State Park. This one-and-a-half-mile trail is designed for easy walking and is a shaded trail that loops through the woods.
DCNR requires all state park officers to be trained in administering naloxone and to carry a naloxone kit including a pair of gloves, two prefilled, needleless intranasal devices and a carrying case while on duty at DCNR’s state parks. Additionally, many state parks have posted signage containing help for individuals struggling with the disease of addiction, such as avenues to get naloxone, resources for finding SUD treatment, and educational tools, said state government communications director.
Individuals seeking SUD treatment or recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can be connected to local resources by visiting treatmentatlas.org or by calling the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).