The Carmi Kiwanis Club started the year on January 2 with a program featuring Angie Hampton, CEO of Egyptian Health Department. Egyptian Health Department is dedicated to providing human services that support and enhance the lives of individuals, families, and groups in southern Illinois. The Egyptian Public & Mental Health Department has offices located in Eldorado, Harrisburg, Carmi, and Shawneetown. The Egyptian Behavioral Health Office is located in Fairfield.
Angie updated the club on the substance use disorder programs offered by Egyptian Health. She emphasized that that “knowledge is power.” She said that we need to reduce the stigma and change the language when it comes to substance use disorders. Research shows that it is a chronic brain disease, not a moral failing. She continued, “We’ve lost too many people; too many children have been affected by substance use disorders.” Unfortunately, if you need help with substance abuse disorders, it can be difficult to find the help needed.
Egyptian Health provides multiple recovery services including assessment, referral, treatment, support, and information. The Recovery Resource Center was recently opened in Harrisburg to serve as a central point of information to help individuals and families navigate substance use treatment and recovery services. The Recovery Resource Center is staffed with Peer Support Specialists, Substance Use Disorder Counselors, and a Recovery Oriented System of Care Coordinator. The Recovery Resource Center is located at 715 E. Church Street in Harrisburg. For more information, call 618-294-8322.
Angie invited all who are interested to join the SI SUPRT COUNCIL (Southeastern Illinois Substance Use Prevention Recovery Treatment). She said they are looking for individuals who want to work together to build and enhance supports for those seeking and in recovery. They especially need the voices of those who are in recovery or whose family members or loved ones are in recovery. SI SUPRT is a Council of individuals from the communities of Saline, Gallatin, White, and Hamilton counties working together to increase and bring awareness to recovery services and supports by building a Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC). Their next meeting will be held January 23 from 1:00—2:30 PM at Egyptian Health Department in Carmi. For more information visit their website www.govst.edu/ROSC-GSU/ROSCC/SIRC or visit their Facebook page: sisubstanceusepreventionrecoverytreatmentcouncil. You can also call 618-294-8322 or 618-273-3326.
