Ole Miss Events Shine a Light on Recovery, Community and Hope

Beginning as a one-day walk along the South Campus Rail Trail several years ago, the observance has turned into a monthlong recognition of recovery, education and community support sponsored by the William Magee Center for AOD and Wellness Education.

Throughout the month, the center will host a series of events designed to celebrate people in recovery, reduce stigma surrounding substance use disorder, educate the community about harm reduction and connect students with resources and support.

"Everyone is affected by addiction in some way," said Mason Glaze, collegiate recovery community coordinator. "The events offered during this month can give people examples of experience, strength and hope in recovery."

The free events highlighting recovery are open to the public.

"The events create intentional space to connect with others and space to hear real stories from real people doing really incredible work," said Katherine "Kakky" Brown, assistant director of student support. "They also help reduce the stigma around recovery."

The slate kicks off Sept. 5 with the annual Recovery Walk from 10 a.m. to noon at the South Campus Recreation Center. Participants are invited to walk in support of their own recovery, someone they care about or the broader recovery community.

The walk has become one of Brown's favorite events.

"It's really refreshing to get out and walk and talk with friends, family, colleagues, students, new friends and connections," she said. "It's impactful to see people show up for an event like this, in recovery or not.

"It really has grown to embody that 'No one walks alone.'"

On Sept. 15, the Mississippi Attorney General's Office will sponsor a communitywide Narcan training from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Ole Miss Student Union ballroom. The training will provide participants with information and skills for responding to an opioid overdose.

In partnership with the School of Law, the month's activities will conclude Sept. 24 with a recovery keynote featuring Missy "Mama Justice" Wigginton. A reception at 6 p.m. precedes the program at 7 p.m. in the school's Weems Auditorium.

Wiggington, an Ole Miss alumna, will share her story of losing her eldest son, Macon, at age 25, following his struggle with alcohol. In his memory, she founded the Macon a Difference Foundation, which funds scholarships for underprivileged students at Mississippi universities and trade schools.

The foundation has partnered this year with Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss.

The William Magee Center provides assistance to students throughout the year, not just the month of September.

"The Collegiate Recovery Community on campus supports students in or seeking recovery from alcohol or other drugs," Glaze said. "Students do not have to do recovery by themselves."

Students who are interested in sobriety or recovery can attend the Collegiate Recovery Community open meetings at 1 p.m. Mondays and Fridays in the Turner Center, Room 113, beginning Sept. 4. Meetings provide students with opportunities for connection and peer support.

"What is really at the heart of our recovery month's events is the passion, purpose and desire to make sure students and others know you aren't alone," Brown said.

Top: The university has a slate of activities throughout September to educate the community and connect students with resources and support during National Recovery Month. The William Magee Center for AOD and Wellness Education offers a range of services and resources to assist students affected by addictions of all kinds. Graphic by Cole Russell/University Marketing and Communications