Rally in the Valley celebrates recovery
The third annual Rally in the Valley, which celebrates recovery from substance abuse disorder will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.
The free event features six musical acts, speakers and celebrities, health and wellness workshops, food and family activities.
The event’s theme is, “Demonstrating Strength in the Recovery Community,” and will feature celebrities and inspirational speakers — some who have overcome addiction — area artists in recovery, Narcan training and more.
“The organizers of Rally in the Valley recognize there are far too many people affected by substance use disorder directly and indirectly. There is no one way or right way to fix this public health crisis. Treatment providers, social service agencies, county authorities, peer support and faith groups all have their place,” said Tamra McGee, co-founder of the event. “The goal of this event is to come together as a community to educate and inspire people on the many pathways that lead to a fulfilling recovery lifestyle.”
Speaker Ryan Hampton, who celebrated four years in recovery last month, will share his story of his path from serving as an aide to President Bill Clinton, to years battling heroin to his recovery and activism to change laws affecting opioid availability and rehabilitation.
He will read from his best-selling book, “American Fix, Inside the Opioid Addiction Crisis” and “How to End It,” in which he claims the solution to this deadly epidemic lies in a multidimensional approach.
The event is sponsored by Lehigh Valley Health Network, the drug and alcohol commissions of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, and others.
