September Awareness: National Recovery Month and Farm Safety and Health

May 6
2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Media Contact:

Thumb Community Health Partnership

Kay Balcer, Executive Director

[Thumb Region, MI] September 1, 2026 — September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate people in recovery and recognize the families, professionals, and communities that support them. It is also a time to remind people that treatment works, recovery is possible, and help is available.

Thumb Community Health Partnership (TCHP) encourages residents across Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties to learn more about recovery, reduce stigma around substance use, and support those working toward healthier lives.

“Recovery looks different for everyone, and having support can make a big difference,” said Kay Balcer, Executive Director of Thumb Community Health Partnership. “National Recovery Month is an opportunity to celebrate progress, share resources, and remind our communities that people do not have to face recovery alone.”

Substance use disorders can affect individuals and families from all backgrounds. Support from family members, friends, healthcare providers, recovery professionals, and community organizations can help people take steps toward recovery.

Supporting Recovery in Our Communities

There are many ways community members can support recovery:

Learn about substance use and recovery to better understand what individuals and families may experience.
Use respectful language and avoid words that may add to the stigma surrounding substance use disorders.
Listen without judgment when someone shares their recovery experience.
Encourage people to seek help when they are ready.
Celebrate recovery and recognize the hard work and progress of people working toward healthier lives.
Know where to find resources. SAMHSA's FindTreatment.gov can help individuals and families search for mental health and substance use treatment services.

September also brings attention to an important part of life in rural communities: the health and safety of farmers, farm families, and agricultural workers.

National Farm Safety and Health Week is September 21–25, 2026. This year's campaign provides information and resources to help prevent injuries and protect the health of people working in agriculture.

Farming can involve long hours, heavy equipment, changing weather, roadway hazards, and other risks. Simple safety practices, planning ahead, using proper equipment, and taking care of physical and mental health can help prevent injuries and keep farmers and their families safe.

TCHP encourages everyone in the Thumb region to be especially careful when sharing the road with farm equipment during the busy harvest season. Drivers should slow down, stay alert, allow extra space, and only pass farm equipment when it is safe and legal to do so.

For more information about Thumb Community Health Partnership or local resources, visit www.ThumbHealth.org or follow TCHP on Facebook.

Resources used for this campaign:

SAMHSA – National Recovery Month: https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/recovery-month
FindTreatment.gov – Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Services: https://findtreatment.gov/
AgriSafe – 2026 National Farm Safety and Health Week Webinar Series: https://www.agrisafe.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/NFSHW-2026-AgriSafe-Webinar-Flyer-.pdf
NIOSH Agricultural Centers – 2026 National Farm Safety and Health Week Promotional Toolkit: https://www.necasag.org/media/necas/documents/NFSHW26_Promotional_Toolkit_7.27.2026.pdf

The Thumb Community Health Partnership (TCHP) encompasses Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties and includes 32 health and human service organizations, including local public health departments, hospitals, human service agencies, education, and health clinics. The partnership works to improve coordination of services and access to care for residents.