OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Ottumwa Mayor Dale Uehling and members of the Ottumwa Substance Abuse Task Force gathered in the Mayor’s office Wednesday morning as the Mayor signed a proclamation making September National Recovery Month in Ottumwa.

KTVO spoke with Kathy Hasley after the signing. Hasley shared with KTVO the purpose of the program and the proclamation.

“It’s important that we recognize recovery month as there are so many people in our community that are recovering from substance abuse issues. I think that our community has come together in many different ways to support people in recovery through meetings and family treatment court. The court has been very helpful with folks in recovery and getting them back on track and getting them to maintain a longer recovery than maybe they would have if they would have not gone through family treatment court.”

According to the proclamation; substance abuse and mental disorders are serious public health problems. In 2009, over 4 million people were treated for substance abuse and over 30 million were treated for mental health issues.

Those with these issues are urged to seek assistance through therapy or counseling. These services are both offered in Ottumwa through SIEDA or First Resources.

For those who have succeeded because of these programs, and those involved, the task force is holding a celebration towards the end of September.

“In celebration of recovery month this year, we have planned a recovery rally September 25^th from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Jimmy Jones Shelter in Greater Ottumwa Park. The rally is open to all people who are in recovery, and all people who have worked in the substance abuse field, and anyone who has been supportive of families in recovery. We are going to have a lot of fun. We will have games and food for everyone,” said Hasley.

For more information on SIEDA and First Resources, contact the two organizations below.

SIEDA – 226 W. Main Street, Ottumwa, Ia (641) 682-8741
First Resources – 333 N. Court, Ottumwa, Ia (641) 682-2800