SAVE THE DATE!

The 2026 Recovery Month Event is happening this September 10th from 6pm-8pm! Join us for an evening of celebrating RECOVERY! This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Jenn Carson!

Dr. Jenn Carson is a behavioral health educator whose life and work demonstrate the power of hope, resilience, and recovery. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, a master’s degree in counseling from George Washington University, and a Doctor of Social Work from California Baptist University. Jenn is a former crisis line manager, school counselor, Elizabeth Dole Foundation Veteran Caregiver Fellow, former board member of the American Association of Suicidology, and a certified Mental Health First Aid, and ASIST (Suicide Invention) trainer. From ages five to eight, Jenn lived in hiding with her mother after fleeing her violent father, Michael Bear Carson, who was later convicted of multiple acts of serial homicide. Today, she openly shares her lived experience with PTSD, depression, and recovery from disordered eating, along with her journey from a suicidal child to mental health advocate. Jenn has been featured on the Today Show, CNN, the BBC, NPR, Fox News, and in People magazine. Through both her professional expertise and personal experience, Jenn reminds audiences that recovery is possible, hope can be restored, and our past does not define our future. 

People magazine feature: https://people.com/crime/jenn-carson-daughter-serial-killer-speaks-out/

NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH

National Recovery Month, which began in 1989, takes place every year in September. During this month individuals and organizations across the nation celebrate, promote and support recovery from substance use and mental health challenges. According to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), “SAMHSA aims to increase public awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery. In the years since Recovery Month launched, SAMHSA has timed announcements of initiatives and grant funding during Recovery Month, while collaborating with private and public entities to celebrate individuals during their long-term recoveries.” (National Recovery Month | SAMHSA)

SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH

National Suicide Prevention Month takes place each September as a time to, “. . .raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time.” (Suicide Prevention Month 2025 – Resources & Awareness | NAMI) September 10th specifically is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Day.