AUGUSTA — Crisis & Counseling Centers celebrated recovery from mental health and substance abuse concerns at the agency’s second annual On Track to Recovery 5K Walk/Run held Sept. 19. The event raised $5,200 for C&C’s Client Emergency Fund, which helps clients in recovery break down treatment barriers to access their most basic needs, such as transportation and medication, according to a news release from Crisis & Counseling Centers.

More than 225 participants, community members, families and nonprofit leaders gathered at the Kennebec River Rail Trail in Augusta.

September was Recovery Month, a national awareness campaign that promotes the benefits of prevention, treatment and recovery for mental health and substance abuse disorders. Crisis & Counseling Centers’ Chief Executive Officer Michael Mitchell, LCSW, acknowledged the ongoing nature of recovery at the post-event celebration.

“This event’s name says it all. We want all of our clients to be on track to recovery, with an understanding that recovery from mental health and addiction doesn’t happen overnight. It’s our job to support people on their journey, however long that may be, and we couldn’t do that without your help,” Mitchell said in the release. “

In addition to the race, the event included a Kids’ 1K Fun Run, a post-event recovery celebration and a Kid Zone hosted by the agency’s G.E.A.R. Parent Network with face painting, coloring and a photo shoot.

On Track to Recovery 5K Walk/Run named adult, youth and team winners during the award ceremony. To see a full list of race results, visit the race web page.

Thirty area businesses sponsored or donated to the event, including Platinum Sponsors Bangor Savings Bank, Daniel J. Benson, DPM, Northern New England Diagnostics, Norton Financial Services and Redington-Fairview General Hospital, as well as Gold Sponsors O’Connor Auto Park, PFBF CPAs, Pine State Trading Company, Pine Tree Veterinary Hospital and T-Mobile.

Crisis & Counseling Centers is an Augusta-based nonprofit serving individuals with behavioral health needs, including substance abuse, mental health and co-occurring disorders. In addition, the agency is the sole provider of crisis services for Kennebec and Somerset counties. The agency also offers G.E.A.R. Parent Network to empower caregivers of children with behavioral health needs statewide and Maine Mothers Network for pregnant and parenting women using substances.

For more information about C&C, call Central Access at 626-3448 or visit crisisandcounseling.org. If in crisis, call 888-568-1112.


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