Every September since 1989 communities across the nation, including Reno, have celebrated National Recovery Month. In honor of September 2022 Recovery Month, is hosting its 2nd Annual Recovery 5k run/walk and celebration to promote community health and wellness, celebrate individuals who identify as being in recovery and reduce the stigma often associated with substance use. By signing up for the Recovery 5k run/walk Celebration, individuals are supporting recovery support services at the University of Nevada, Reno. This event seeks to raise awareness, decrease stigma and generate support for students in recovery from alcohol and drug use so they can remain in school and meet their educational goals.
NRAP is a student-focused, peer-driven, collegiate recovery program at the University, founded and coordinated by the , which is a University approved center, located in the School of Public Health with assistance/guidance from the Stacie Mathewson Foundation. The NRAP community (staff, student peers and peers) provide services to students who identify as being in recovery from substance use, mental health and other behavioral health issues. School of Public Health Dean Muge Akpinar-Elci, encourages support and participation for the 5k event, “NRAP has made a profound impact on our campus community over the last 10 years. By contributing or partaking in this event, it will further NRAP’s mission towards creating an encouraging environment for students choosing a substance-free lifestyle.”
Recently, NRAP celebrated its 10-year anniversary as the University’s first student recovery program based upon the peer support services model. NRAP is located, on campus, on the first floor in the William Raggio Building which allows students in between classes to drop-in and participate in supportive services.
Project Director Terra Hamblin, shares her insight on NRAP’s 5k, "Proceeds from this event will help NRAP expand its programming for students such as additional mutual-aid support groups, mindfulness sessions and student leadership training. Likewise, funds raised will support NRAP Adventures – which include activities centered on fitness, health and outdoor experiences while building positive relationships with other sober/healthy students. Examples of NRAP Adventures include: rock climbing; attending sober tailgates; hiking/camping outings; and group workouts at the University’s gym. NRAP affords students a safe space to hang out and participate in healthy/wellness-oriented activities while pursuing and meeting their educational goals. The NRAP community is grateful to the University, the School of Public Health, CASAT and Stacie Mathewson for their support along with other student organizations at the University (e.g., ASUN, Student Health Services and Student Life). We could not provide these services without these entities as well as other community agencies and members."
All running participants registered by September 1st will receive an official race t-shirt. The celebration is free and open to the public (families and children included) regardless of 5k participation and will include food and local guest speakers. In addition, community organizations will provide information on local community services and will present on relevant topics. Come and celebrate NRAP and National Recovery Month! Recovery is for everyone- every person, every family, every community.
Those interested in participating in the 5k either as a racer or a sponsor are encouraged to .
