Summit County observes Preparedness and Recovery Months

SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Summit County Executive Shapiro and County Council passed legislation  recognizing September as Preparedness Month and Recovery Month.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recognized National Preparedness Month  annually since 2004 to heighten the abilities of communities to respond swiftly and effectively to disasters  and emergencies. Disasters and emergencies include natural occurrences, such as floods, tornadoes,  hurricanes, earthquakes, and pandemics, as well as man-made hazards, such as chemical spills and  terrorism. With the damaging impact of severe storms in early August, it is more important than ever to  ensure our residents are prepared to protect themselves and their family’s physical safety, as well as their  homes and belongings.

The Summit County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has several resources for residents to prepare  themselves and their families for an emergency. First, residents are encouraged to download the EMA  App to receive alerts and create an emergency plan that is shareable with family and friends. Residents  may also sign up for Reverse Alerts via phone, email, or devices for those who are hard of hearing. Second,  residents can visit Summit County EMA’s website to learn about how the agency works and opportunities  for residents to learn. Among EMA’s duties are developing plans for schools to respond to crises, to  operate or aid communities in operating emergency responses, and offering training to public safety  departments across Summit County. Lastly, EMA has launched “Summit Ready,” a free and voluntary  emergency management certification program for all 31 communities in Summit County. Certified  communities will be listed on EMA’s website.

“From getting the message out about traveling during the April 8 solar eclipse to collecting damage  assessment data to send to Ohio EMA, our public safety team does a great job to help keep our residents  safe,” said Executive Shapiro. “But it takes all of us to listen to these important messages, make a plan  and prepare accordingly, and keep our families informed when an emergency strikes.”

September is also Recovery Month, an observance sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health  Services Administration (SAMHSA) to emphasize that recover from mental health and substance use  disorders is achievable and should be celebrated, not stigmatized. Prevention, treatment, and recovery  are core tenets for both the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health (ADM) Board and the Opiate  Abatement Advisory Council. To access recovery resources, visit https://admboard.org/get

help/adults/substance-use/

This year’s theme is the “Art of Recovery,” recognizing the transformative impact of art on mental health  and substance use recovery and the ability of creative expression to help individuals find connection,  healing, and empowerment. Summit Artspace has shared this vision once again through its Overdose  Awareness Exhibition in partnership with Summit County Public Health. This exhibit showcases art  exploring personal experiences with overdose and addiction, honoring loved ones who have died without  stigma, and acknowledging the grief of those mourning loved ones. The exhibit is currently on display  through September 14, 2024, at 140 E Market St, Akron.

“I encourage everyone at some point during this month to take a moment and reflect on the many lives  affected by substance use disorder,” said Executive Shapiro. “Whether its visiting Summit Artspace’s  exhibit or talking frankly with a close friend, these small moments can lead to big impacts when it comes  to removing the stigma of substance use and recovery and ultimately can help save lives.”

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