Crisis & Counseling Centers (C&C) celebrated recovery from mental health and substance abuse concerns at the agency’s Second Annual On Track to Recovery 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, 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.

The race attracted more than 225 participants, community members, families and nonprofit leaders to the Kennebec River Rail Trail in Augusta. Prominent event attendees included representatives from the Augusta Police Department, Waterville Police Department and the Kennebec and Somerset County District Attorney’s Office, led by District Attorney Maeghan Maloney.

September is 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,” said Mitchell. “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.”

In addition to the 5K 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.

Thirty area businesses sponsored or donated to the event, including Platinum Sponsors Bangor Savings Bank, Daniel J. Benson, D.P.M., 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.

If you are interested in sponsoring the Third Annual On Track to Recovery 5K Walk/Run, please contact Race Director Courtney Yeager at 207.213.4523 or publicrelations@crisisandcounseling.org.