Collegiate Recovery Community to Host National Recovery Month Walk and Celebration
August 29, 2022
East Lansing, Mich., August 29, 2022— Michigan State University’s Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) will host a free event for students, faculty, staff and community members to raise awareness about substance use.
The CRC National Recovery Walk and Celebration will take place 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 14 at MSU’s Demonstration Hall Field (229 Dem Hall Road, East Lansing).
CRC Coordinator Dawn Kepler said the event is one way the university is supporting students in recovery from substance use disorder — and working to break the stigma surrounding the disorder.
“Research consistently shows that peer support is among the top predictors of a young person’s ability to maintain sobriety,” said Kepler. “We are excited to welcome people from across the campus and the community to this event and know that it means a lot to our students to see that support.”
No registration is required to participate in the celebration, which will feature yard games, therapy dogs and a free T-shirt for attendees who sign the Recovery Ally Pledge, affirming their support for those in recovery. Susan Packard, author of The Little Book of College Sobriety will be signing copies of her book at the event. Proceeds from the sale of the book go to the Association of Recovery in Higher Education, which represents nearly 150 Collegiate Recovery Programs.
“This event is one of many ways the CRC works to support students in recovery and address stigma,” said Dennis Martell, director of the Health Promotion department, which houses the CRC.
“We host sober events throughout the year, welcoming students in recovery and those who simply want to socialize without alcohol or other substances,” said Martell. “We estimate there are about 1,500 students in recovery at MSU, and about one in three MSU students report choosing not to drink. We are proud to provide students with opportunities to connect with and support each other.”
In 2018, MSU became the first university in Michigan to offer on-campus recovery housing, which features live-in peer support, 24-hour access to the Collegiate Recovery Lounge, academic resources and organized activities. Beyond sober events the CRC also hosts peer support meetings, welcoming students in recovery and those who choose not to use alcohol or other substances.
For more information about the CRC — or to make a donation — visit healthpromotion.msu.edu/recovery.
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About the Michigan State University Collegiate Recovery Community
The Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) provides a safe and supportive campus community in which students in recovery from a substance use disorder can achieve their academic, personal and professional goals. Through recovery planning support, Recovery Housing, well-being workshops, social events, education and community service opportunities, the CRC and its services empower students to enjoy the college experience — free from alcohol and other drugs. To learn more about the CRC, visit heathpromotion.msu.edu/recovery.
Media Contact
Elizabeth Carr, Marketing & Communications Manager
Student Health and Wellness
carreli2@msu.edu