National Recovery Month is an annual celebration that is promoted by SAMHSA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services) to recognize and support mental health and addiction recovery. SAMHSA’s public messages offer information and videos to reduce the impact of substance use and mental illness on America’s communities.
The Bellingham Public Library honors National Recovery Month in September 2024 with book recommendations and community events on the topics of mental health, addiction, and recovery. Mental illness and addiction don’t always intersect, but they often do, and in discussions about recovery it is important to understand that improving mental health is a critical step. This page includes reading recommendations, information, and resources on both mental health and addiction recovery as well as upcoming local events.
Whatcom County Health and Community Services also provides access to a variety of community resources for recovery at WhatcomHope.org.
Recovery Month Reading and Resource Recommendations
Un-Addiction: 6 Mind-Changing Conversations that Could Save a Life by Dr. Nzinga Harrison with Lynya Floyd, 2024.
The summary for Un-Addiction states: “Contrary to popular belief, addiction isn’t a conscious choice. It’s a chronic illness, like diabetes or asthma, that responds to treatment and deserves compassion. And yet, too many people expect their loved ones to simply recover on their own without interventions. Drawing on peer-reviewed research and decades of expertise, Dr. Nzinga Harrison reveals the factors that predict one’s risk for addiction: biology and heritability, childhood experience, physical environment, injuries and health conditions, discrimination, and cultural influence. With revelatory anecdotes and sobering data, Un-Addiction guides readers to unlearn what they think they know about substance use, undo stigma surrounding addiction, and uncover critical conversations that could end the epidemic.”
The downloadable audiobook version of Un-Addiction, read by the author, is available for Bellingham Public Library card holders with no waiting. Copies are also available in print and eBook formats
Addiction and Substance Use Disorder list of books and local resources
This resource list is created in partnership with All Hands Whatcom, a community coalition raising awareness on substance use and related topics. You’ll find many reading and listening recommendations available through the library, as well as links to other local organizations working to provide services.
The Library has curated a list of books and materials specifically related to the brain and mental health. Information is available through the library collection in a variety of formats.
Recovery Month Events in Bellingham
NAMI Whatcom and M.A.D. Hope End of Summer Event
Sunday, September 8, 1:00 – 5:00pm
The Blue Room in Downtown Bellingham
$10 per person
Come together for an afternoon of art, music, advocacy, and mental health awareness with NAMI Whatcom and M.A.D. – H.O.P.E. The event will feature live music, vendors, art, presentations, and activities for all ages. Click HERE for tickets.
NAMI Whatcom is a local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. M.A.D. – H.O.P.E. (Making A Difference – Helping Other People Everywhere) is a youth suicide prevention workshop providing individuals with the courage and knowledge to address youth depression and suicide in our community.
What is Addiction? Plain Talk for Our Community
Thursday, September 12, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Bellingham High School Performing Arts Center
Free
Addiction touches the lives of millions of people every year. We hear about it, we experience it, but we don’t openly talk about it. Join local expert Dr. Shannon Boustead in this all-community event at the Bellingham High School Performing Arts Center, located at 2020 Cornwall Ave, to learn the basics of addiction science and hear from community members in recovery about their lived experiences. All are welcome. This event is free, and no registration is required. Doors open at 6:30pm. Program starts at 7:00pm.
Hosted by Bellingham Public Library, City of Bellingham Mayor’s Office, and Whatcom County Health and Community Services, in collaboration with Compass Health, PeaceHealth, Whatcom Community College, and Bellingham Public Schools.
Facing Fentanyl Together Resource Fair
Friday, September 20, 1:00 – 5:00pm
Lecture Room, Central Library
Free
Join us for an afternoon of collaboration, education, and recovery resources. Gain understanding of the current fentanyl crisis, learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones, and discover support and recovery resources. Resource Fairs are being planned throughout Washington State by the Washington State Department of Health, Department of Social and Health Services, Health Care Authority, and Local Partner Agencies in each region.