5th Annual Recovery Is Beautiful Walk

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- An event recognizing the beauty in recovery.

The 5th annual Recovery is Beautiful walk kicked off today at Zane’s Landing Park. The walk celebrates recovery from mental illness and addiction, and is put on by NAMI, an organization helping people understand and cope with mental illnesses. Mayor Jeff Tilton was also there to present a proclamation recognizing mental health importance. Walkers were then free to walk as much as they desired. The walk then lead into a whole day’s worth of festivities with the Genesis “Day of Recovery,” live music from Ol’Dirty Strangers, recovery speakers, and informational resources.

“We have the recovery is beautiful walk and some of our supporters just took off down the path here. They can walk along the river as far as they care to. But we just ask people to come out and show their support for our loved ones in recovery from mental illness or addiction,” said President of NAMI Six County, Paul Quinn.

The event coincides with Mental Health Awareness month. Quinn said it is important to spread awareness in order to resist the stigma of mental illness or addiction.

“People look down at them and say oh they’re a bad person. When we know it’s brain chemistry. Nobody chose to be a drug addict or be mentally ill. But we know also that recovery is possible, and that’s a part of why we celebrate recovery,” he said.

To learn more about NAMI and their mission, you can visit the NAMI Six County facebook page.