AUBURN —The fourth annual Walk for Recovery to raise awareness of the rising incidents of alcohol and drug abuse will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12.

The walk, which will take place at Catholic Charities Maine’s St. Francis Recovery Center, will be held in partnership with Milestone Foundation, Crossroads for Women, Day One and Serenity House in celebration of National Alcohol and Drug Recovery Month.

Catholic Charities’ CEO Stephen Letourneau said the walk’s partners were hoping for a good turnout from the community.

“This is an ideal opportunity for everyone to show their concern at the increasing problem of drug and alcohol abuse — those who may have family members or friends affected, or those who just want to just increase awareness of the problem within the community,” he said.

According to a report filed in May by the Maine Office of Substance Abuse:

— Alcohol is the leading substance Mainers seek treatment for, with 45 percent of treatment program admissions related to alcohol.

— Admissions to treatment programs for prescription drug abuse have grown by 62 percent since 2005.

— Data suggests that heroin consumption is on the rise, with admissions for treatment up by 40 percent since 2008.

This family-friendly event is free to register; although a suggested donation of $10 per participant is appreciated. Donations made will support the St. Francis Recovery Center.

The walk starts at 1 p.m. from St. Francis Recovery Center at 24 Dunn St., Auburn, and will walk to Simard-Payne Memorial Park on Beech Street and return via the River Walk. Free refreshments will be provided.
 
Participants may register for the walk online at: http://www.ccmaine.org/recovery

For more information about volunteering for the Walk for Recovery, please contact Janine Champagne at (207) 784-2901 or [email protected]

For more information about the Walk for Recovery or donation opportunities please contact Kristen Wells at (207) 321-7806 or [email protected].