Nevada’s Recovery and Prevention (NRAP) is thrilled to invite you to celebrate Recovery Month by joining their annual R5K Run/Walk and Recovery Celebration. This September, in honor of National Recovery Month— a time dedicated to demonstrating that substance use treatment and mental health services can empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives —NRAP is hosting an event designed to promote community health, celebrate those in recovery and combat the stigma surrounding addiction. The R5k Run/Walk and Recovery Celebration will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 in Idlewild Park's Snowflake Pavilion, 1900 Idlewild Drive, Reno, NV 89509.
Ian Mitchell, a dedicated member of NRAP, shares how his own college journey has been profoundly shaped by the organization. “As a member of NRAP, my entire college experience was transformed from day one. I discovered a sense of belonging on campus that allowed me to thrive authentically, surrounded and supported by like-minded individuals who are on similar paths as I am. NRAP provided me with the feeling that I had found my home on campus, which inspired me to become an employee and Peer Recovery Support Specialist, so that I could help other students find their own sense of belonging on campus,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell's involvement with NRAP has also been deeply personal. “One of the most enjoyable aspects of my recovery journey has been playing music. It has been incredibly fun and fulfilling for me, which is why I feel privileged to perform with my band, The Grimtones, at this year's R5K event put on by NRAP," he said. "I hope to bring the same joy and sense of fulfillment that NRAP has helped me discover, to all those who come out to support our cause.”
The R5K Run/Walk provides an opportunity for participants to honor those impacted by substance use, followed by a recovery celebration that is open to all community members. The post-race festivities are free to the public and will feature food, family activities and speeches from local guest speakers and advocates in recovery. Community organizations will also be present to offer information on local services and relevant topics.
Dean Muge Akpinar-Elci of the School of Public Health urges the community on and off campus to show support for the event. "As we prepare to celebrate National Recovery Month, I encourage everyone to join us for the NRAP R5K Run/Walk and Recovery Celebration," she said. "This event is a powerful reminder of our commitment to supporting recovery and combating stigma. Your participation supports our students and promotes a healthier, more inclusive community. Let’s come together on September 28th to celebrate resilience and make a positive impact."
Your participation in the R5K Run/Walk and Recovery Celebration will support students in recovery and those choosing a substance-free lifestyle, enhancing their college experience and furthering NRAP’s mission to challenge the stigma around non-substance use on campus. and join us in making a difference and celebrating the strength and resilience of our community.
Learn more about NRAP
NRAP is a student-focused, peer-driven, collegiate recovery program at the University, founded and coordinated by the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT), which is a University approved center, located in the School of Public Health. The NRAP community (staff, peer support student workers and students) provide services to students who identify as being in recovery from substance use, mental health and other behavioral health issues. NRAP is located, on campus, on the first floor in the William Raggio Building which allows students in between classes to drop-in and participate in supportive services NRAP provides an environment of nurturing support and peer connections for students.
