Journey to Recovery event postponed due to weather

Because of inclement weather expected by Hurricane Helene, the Journey to Recovery Event has been cancelled.

CLARENDON COUNTY - September is a special month for the folks in Clarendon County.

September serves as a celebration of National Recovery Month. It's a time to remember those who struggled with substance abuse and lost their battles, and it's a time to cherish and celebrate those who have battled back from the ravages of substance abuse to lead full and productive lives.

Clarendon Behavioral Health Services, the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office and the John Landon Black Foundation are inviting the folks of Clarendon County to the third-annual Journey to Recovery event from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at Weldon Auditorium, 7 Maple St.

Those three organizations know first-hand about the long-reaching devastation that drug addiction has on individuals and families. They have seen the overwhelming destruction. They've witnessed the families suffering through the death of a loved one, and they've seen addicted individuals trying to put their lives back on track and the mental, physical and financial struggles that those individuals and their families experience.

On May 13, 2022, Clarendon County lost a true shining light when John Landon Black died at the age of 25 from an accidental drug overdose. The remarkable young man's death hasn't been forgotten. Black's family, friends and the community he grew up in joined hands and established the John Landon Black Foundation to help others who struggle with substance abuse.

In 2024, just two years after the young man died, the John Landon Black Foundation opened "John's Place," a safe haven for individuals seeking substance abuse rehabilitation.

"We hope that John's Place will be a place for healing and recovery," Black's father, Jeffrey, said at the ceremony. "John Landon was a welcoming and non-judgmental person. We hope to represent these same qualities to those in our community who are in recovery."

"When I was hopeless, you had hope" was written by Black in the last birthday card that he wrote to his father. Those seven words serve as a motto that the foundation lives by today in giving hope to those who believe that hope isn't there for them.

The three-hour event will have representatives from each organization outlining what the community can do to combat substance abuse and what individuals can do if they suspect a loved one is addicted to drugs. The term drugs not only refers to prescription medications, but also illegal drugs, drugs off the street, tobacco abuse and others, including the current vaping trend.

The event will focus on "Celebrating the Wins" and "Honoring the Lost."

Speakers from throughout the community along with substance abuse professionals and family members who have witnessed drug abuse will share their thoughts on how Clarendon County can make strides in combatting substance abuse.

A portion of the program will focus on "Vaping, the New Gateway Drug for Youth."

The event will also feature door prizes (you must be present to win) and free hotdog plates as attendees leave the event.

Substance abuse affects everyone's life at some time or another. Journey to Recovery will outline ways to recognize substance abuse and offer ways that individuals and families can see assistance in dealing with substance abuse.