Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is partnering with organizations to host the fourth annual Celebrating Recovery event in September — National Recovery Month.

The event aims to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders and promotes the message that treatment is effective, and people can and do recover, says a press release.

Those attending the event will hear stories of recovery and can enjoy food and family-friendly games for the whole family.

National Recovery Month is a national observance that started in 1989. Since then, it continues to educate Americans that “substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental health and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life,” said the press release. 

Joining the Kern County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services are Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, NAMI of Kern County, STEPS Special Treatment, El Dorado Community Health Centers, College Community Services, Clinica Sierra Vista and T.A.A.S.K. 

The event is free. It kicks off at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Central Park at Mill Creek, 500 19th St.