News Detail

Franklin County Commissioners Show Support For Recovery Community

Drug & Alcohol Program

September 16, 2026

Pictured (from left): Franklin County Commissioner John Flannery, Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst, Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol Program Recovery Oriented Systems of Care Specialist Joseph Bailey, Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol Program Administrator James Eagler, Certified Recovery Specialist Jeremy Ring and Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed September to be National Recovery Month in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners are joining community partners in celebrating the strength and resiliency of individuals on their journey to recovery while working to eliminate the stigma associated with substance use disorders.

Now in its 37th year, National Recovery Month celebrates Americans in recovery, highlights the dedication of the service providers who make recovery possible, and raises awareness of new treatment and recovery practices. It is also a time to share success stories and promote open dialogue to reduce the shame and negativity often associated with substance use.

Substance use disorders affect every community in the U.S. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 30.6 million American adults reported they had experienced a substance use disorder, and 73 percent – approximately 22.3 million adults – considered themselves to be in recovery or to have recovered. Based on that data, nearly 10,700 Franklin County adults are estimated to be in recovery or to have recovered from substance use.

“National Recovery Month reminds us that healing is a journey, not a destination,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “To everyone working toward recovery, your strength inspires us. To the family, friends and supporters walking beside you, your encouragement makes the path brighter. Together, all of us help build a community where hope and recovery can grow.”

National Recovery Month draws attention to treatment services available to Franklin County residents in their own communities. Those services, available through Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol, can assist those affected by substance use disorders in living healthy lifestyles and achieving their full penitential.

For information on local resources and services, contact Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol at 717-263-1256 or ffda@franklincountypa.gov. Information is also available on the department’s webpage, www.franklincountypa.gov/departments/drug-and-alcohol/. Individuals seeking immediate help for themselves or for someone they know should call 1-800-662-HELP or text 717-216-0905.

Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol and other community partners are highlighting National Recovery Month and their efforts to promote a unified response and support through a variety of public outreach and community activities in September. Upcoming events include:

Carnival of Care: 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Waynesboro YMCA;
Sober September: 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Cowans Gap State Park; and
Meditative Walk for Recovery: 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Conococheague Institute

Additionally, the communities of Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg and Waynesboro have turned their town squares purple in support of National Recovery Month.

For more information on these and other local National Recovery Month events, contact Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol.