A host of speakers from drug and alcohol treatment programs and mental health treatment facilities are expected to highlight an event to help those dealing with substance abuse during a Justice & Recovery rally planned for Saturday at St. Clair Park in Greensburg.
“We will be talking about different programs for recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. We want people to come together to get resources they need here, so they don’t have to leave the county for help,” said Ronel Baccus, 55, of Greensburg, organizer of the Unity in the Community-sponsored event scheduled for 2 to 6 p.m. at the park along North Maple Avenue.
Baccus said she took an interest in drug and alcohol recovery programs because some of her family members have been impacted by substance abuse.
The Justice and Recovery event will have representatives from mental health agencies, as well as those who will address the substance abuse problem. A representative from the Clarion Psychiatric Center, an in-patient mental health treatment facility near Clarion, is scheduled to speak, Baccus said.
“The covid-19 pandemic opened up so many people’s eyes to the need for stronger systems of mental health support and recovery,” Baccus said.
Mandy Zalich, executive director of Westmoreland Community Action, is scheduled to speak, as well as Kenneth Huston, president of the NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference and president of the Allegheny East Branch of the NAACP, which covers the eastern suburbs.
In an attempt to get more people vaccinated against covid, the Community Health Clinic in Greensburg will offer vaccine shots, Baccus said. Organizers will be accepting donations of gloves, scarves, hats, socks and coats for homeless people in Jeannette, Baccus said. Food and entertainment will be offered as well.