Paint Valley ADAMH Announces Anti-Stigma Recovery Campaign

Article Presented By Tomlinson Insurance…

(Chillicothe) – The Paint Valley Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board has announced the “We Do Recover” anti-stigma campaign and is seeking people who would like to share their stories. 

Click our Litter Media Special Edition Interview image below to see our interview with Melanie Swisher and Kelly Dennis of Paint Valley ADAMH.

The campaign is designed to elevate the voices of our community members who are living in recovery from mental health and/or substance use disorders. The campaign is kicking off with billboards in each of the five counties in the Paint Valley region (Fayette, Highland, Pickaway, Pike, and Ross). There will also be videos, social media posts, and town hall meetings. Anyone who would like to be involved should email contactus@pvadamh.org.

Stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders is amongst the biggest barrier in people seeking treatment, explained Paint Valley ADAMH Executive Director Melanie Swisher. 

“Sharing stories of those who have navigated successful recovery is a very important part of combating stigma by showing recovery happens,” Swisher said. “Stigma is debilitating and deadly. People pay for stigma with their dignity, with unspent potential, and even their very lives. When those living in recovery lead the charge, permanent change to the culture can and will happen.”

“I am beyond grateful for everyone willing to share their personal experience on overcoming stigma so that others will know it is ok to seek treatment. People are more than their diagnosis. The brave, strong human beings living in recovery are making a positive difference in our community every single day. I am so thankful for each one of them.” 

The Paint Valley ADAMH Board is a political subdivision of state government created in 1967 by the Ohio legislature to ensure the availability of community-based alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services for the residents of Fayette, Highland, Pickaway, Pike and Ross Counties.