(Credit: County of Bucks)
Bucks County has recognized September as Recovery Month with the goal of raising awareness about substance abuse treatment and recovery efforts.
The Bucks County Commissioners read a proclamation earlier this month acknowledging the obstacles to accessing care and promoting evidence-based treatment. The proclamation honors the service providers and community members who support recovery throughout the county.
Republican Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo, an advocate for those with substance issues, said the county will continue its support.
“Throughout Recovery Month, people become more aware of the reality and hope of recovery and learn about treatment and support available in their community to help them achieve their goals,” DiGirolamo said.
The commissioners thanked PRO-ACT Recovery Support Services and The Council of Southeast PA for their work.
Jennifer King, executive director of The Council of Southeast PA, attended the meeting with her staff to accept the proclamation.
Alicia King, a certified recovery specialist supervisor, shared her personal story of recovery.
“Years ago, I came into this very building, I believe this very room, for very different reasons during a time when I was struggling and making poor decisions in my addiction,” King said. “To now return here as a person in recovery and in a role where I support others on their journey is truly a full circle moment.”
King said her experience proves that “recovery is possible, and second chances make a difference.”
Ernest Campbell, a volunteer with PRO-ACT Recovery Support Services for about four years, credited the group with saving his life after he moved from New York City to Bucks County while struggling with addiction.
“I was struggling a lot, but now I got back on track,” Campbell said. “I thank y’all for doing.”
DiGirolamo shared that his own family has been impacted by addiction and praised the collaboration between county employees, human services staff, and the district attorney’s office.
“Recovery is possible, and it’s not only possible, recovery and treatment is highly successful,” he said. “I know it from a personal standpoint, and there’s many families who realize it from a personal standpoint here in Bucks County.”
Democratic Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia shared a recent success story in which a friend contacted her about a man in his 50s or 60s who had struggled with substance abuse for years.
“My friend just texted me. He called ProAct and he is so happy he did,” Ellis-Marseglia said. “They are going to help him in a number of ways.”
Commissioner Chairperson Bob Harvie, a Democrat, noted that more than half of the county’s work involves caring for people. He expressed concern about current funding uncertainties, stating that departments are preparing budgets for 2026 while state funding that should have started on July 1 remains unavailable.
The commissioners noted progress in reducing overdose deaths, but DiGirolamo stressed that addiction remains an ongoing challenge.
PRO-ACT Recovery Support Services will host two events this month: the Recovery Walk on Sept. 20 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and Recovery Works on Sept. 24
