Recovery Belongs in Every Community
This month, Drug Free America Foundation is proud to recognize National Recovery Month and celebrate the individuals, families, organizations and communities working every day to support recovery. Recovery Month reminds us that recovery is possible and communities play an important role in helping people build connection, purpose and fulfilling lives. Here in Tampa Bay, that commitment is taking shape through the Inclusive Recovery Communities of Tampa Bay (IRCTB), bringing together Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough Counties to make recovery more visible, connected and supported.
NEW PATHWAYS 2 PREVENTION PODCAST EPISODE
Building the Nation’s First Inclusive Recovery Community with Ashley Neal
What does it take to build a community where recovery can truly thrive? In our newest Pathways to Prevention episode, host Dave Closson sits down with recovery advocate Ashley Neal to discuss the creation of the Inclusive Recovery Communities of Tampa Bay.
Ashley shares her personal journey of more than 20 years in recovery and takes listeners behind the scenes of how partners across three counties came together to build the first tri-county Inclusive Recovery Community model in the United States. The conversation explores:
• What an Inclusive Recovery Community really means
• How IRCTB brought three counties together around a shared vision
• The importance of community relationships and local champions
• How visibility and connection can help reduce stigma
• Why belonging and community support matter in recovery
• Lessons other communities can use to strengthen recovery supports
Click below to listen now!
BECOME AN IRCTB CHAMPION
Help Make Tampa Bay a Community Where Recovery Thrives
We’re inviting businesses, nonprofits, healthcare providers, schools, faith communities, local governments, civic organizations and other community partners across Tampa Bay to become IRCTB Champions. Becoming a Champion is a simple but meaningful way for your organization to publicly demonstrate its commitment to recovery.
IRCTB Champions help:
• Reduce stigma surrounding substance use disorder and recovery
• Increase the visibility of recovery
• Create welcoming, recovery-supportive environments
• Connect people with resources, activities and opportunities
• Support multiple pathways to recovery
• Strengthen connections throughout the Tampa Bay community
Champions also receive an IRCTB Champion window decal, recognition on the IRCTB website, access to the shared community calendar, use of the IRCTB Champion logo on approved activities, and recognition in the IRCTB quarterly newsletter.
Interested in Building an Inclusive Recovery Community? Our IRCTB Champion invitation is for organizations in the Tampa Bay area, but the Inclusive Recovery Communities (IRC) model can be brought to communities anywhere. If you’re interested in learning how to build a more welcoming, recovery supportive community where you live, please contact us. We can share guidance and connect you with our virtual IRC course to help you get started.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY!
Please consider making a donation to Drug Free America Foundation, Inc. Your support allows us to continue our efforts in developing strategies and educational programs that prevent substance use and promote sustained recovery.
