The School of Public Health’s Nevada’s Recovery and Prevention Program (NRAP) run by the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT) hosts their third annual R5K in honor of September’s National Recovery Month
by Brittany Flores | Lizette Ramirez
NRAP is a student organization at the University of Nevada, Reno which provides peer support for students in recovery and choosing a sober lifestyle. On Saturday, September 30, at Idlewild Park, NRAP will host their third annual R5K Recovery Run/Walk and Celebration to promote community health and wellness, celebrate individuals in recovery, and reduce the stigma often associated with people with substance use related issues.
Terra Hamblin, Project Director, expresses her excitement about the third annual R5K Run/Walk Celebration.
“I am so happy we are in our third year and have overwhelming support from our community. September is Recovery Month and celebrations are occurring in communities across the United States. This event helps to support NRAP so we may continue to offer programming for our students,” Hamblin said. “It’s great to have our special guest, Jeff Martinez, the local weatherman for KTVN 2 News in Reno.”
Martinez is an opening guest who is kicking off the R5K Run/Walk Celebration. As a public figure, Martinez is open about his choice to stop drinking 10 years ago and is currently enjoying an alcohol-free lifestyle. “Jeff hopes to spread the word on sobriety and offer help to those in need through AA and other support groups,” Hamblin said.
With support from CASAT, NRAP’s mission is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for students to come together who are recovering from substance use and other behavioral health issues. According to NRAP, social support is a crucial component in supporting a substance free and recovery lifestyle, especially on college campuses.
An NRAP alumni reminisces their memories as a student who previously participated in the 5K. “As a student some of my fondest memories were running in the NRAP 5K. My participation in the run provided me with the opportunity to interface with diverse aspects of the Reno Recovery Community and celebrate September as Recovery Month,” The NRAP alumni notes, “the run is now an annual tradition of mine.”
Dean of the School of Public Health Muge Akpinar-Elci invites the community to support NRAP and their 5K event.
“Substance Use Disorders touch more than just the person experiencing it – friends and family members are often the first to notice the negative effects. It’s important for the community to come together for this event, especially those in recovery and others seeking a substance free lifestyle or to reduce their use. NRAP is an amazing organization for students looking begin that journey and meet like-minded people who will support a sober lifestyle,” Akpinar-Elci said.
Participation in the 5K is not just for students and graduates but all community members are welcomed and encouraged to show their support for NRAP’s cause. NRAP is hosting a post-race celebration. It is free and open to the public regardless of 5K participation. The post-race celebration will include food, music, yoga, lawn games, face painting and local guest speakers who are advocates in recovery. It’s recommended to bring chairs and blankets to hang out in the park.
All ages are encouraged to register for the Recovery Run/Walk & Celebration.
The event schedule is posted on NRAP’s website along with other volunteer opportunities to support NRAP’s cause.
See the original article on UNR’s Nevada Today.