This week, Fulton Noon Rotarians heard from Executive Director Virginia Bough of Friends of Recovery Oswego County.
The non-profit organization addresses the impact of addiction in the community by encouraging recovery, engaging in harm reduction practices, and working to reduce stigma through education. Bough noted they are a non-clinical organization, meaning that they do not offer medical treatment of addiction. “We often act as a bridge between the community and treatment centers by meeting people where they’re at. And when someone finishes treatment and asks themselves, ‘Now what?’ we are there to support them as well.”
Friends of Recovery Oswego County offers a huge variety of activities, including an upcoming Family Game Night on July 24th, to help people fill their time with sober activities rather than substance use. Bough noted that they focus especially on providing sober-friendly parties around holidays like Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s—times when it may be particularly difficult for someone in recovery to avoid substances like alcohol. “Everyone deserves to celebrate,” Bough said.
Over 700 unique individuals have come through the doors of the organization’s Recovery Community Outreach Center in Fulton since it opened last year. This number includes those who are considering or in recovery, as well as family members of those with substance use disorders, friends, and community members. “We welcome everybody,” Bough told the Rotarians.
In addition to the presentation, Bough also trained the Rotarians on how to use naloxone (better known by its brand name: NarCan), including how to use it on pets. Bough then passed out naloxone kits and medicine disposal kits to those present to ensure Rotarians are better prepared to help prevent overdose deaths.
Fulton Noon Rotary meets the first three Thursdays of the month at noon at the Tavern on the Lock in Fulton. To learn more, you can follow the club on Facebook or visit their website.
