Start Your Recovery Journey

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) recognizes September as National Recovery Month. This national observance is a time to celebrate those who have overcome Substance Use Disorder (SUD), support those still on their recovery journey, and remember those we have lost. At Knox Public Health, we strive year-round to promote health and resilience among people in recovery from substance use disorders and mental illnesses. With the right support and access to care, we know recovery is possible for everyone.

Paul Hart Ruthenbeck is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDC III) at the Knox County Community Health Center (KCCHC), which is a part of Knox Public Health. He has been with the health center for five years and focuses on helping adults and adolescents with substance use disorder. Paul has extensive experience, including working as a special education teacher, youth ministries coordinator, activities coordinator, and providing job placement support for individuals with developmental disabilities.

KCCHC offers services, including Substance Use Disorder Assessments, Individual Outpatient Substance Use Disorder treatments, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for both alcohol and opiate use disorders, and individual conversations with family members. If you have any questions about any of these services or what they might entail please contact the KCCHC.

“Substance Use Disorder is a chronic disease and recovery is possible,” states Paul Hart Ruthenbeck, LCDC III.

KCCHC also offers SMART Recovery Peer Support and it is open to anyone in the community. SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. It is a method that assists individuals in moving away from addictive behaviors and towards a positive and balanced life. KCCHC offers two SMART Recovery Support Groups. These meetings are offered weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6pm-7pm at Knox Public Health, 11660 Upper Gilchrist Road and on Thursday evenings at 7pm-8pm at Overcomers Christian Church, 998 Newark Road, Mount Vernon. During these sessions, members offer support and share self-empowering tools. The ultimate goal is to aid individuals in attaining a healthy, positive lifestyle free from addictive behaviors. The meetings last about an hour, and no pre-registration or fee is required to attend.

Individual appointments can be scheduled at any one of the health center locations by calling 740-399-8008. Services are available in Mount Vernon and Danville.

Paul is honored to provide these resources to Knox County and hopes to continue giving confidence and healing to families and community members. Let’s use this month to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share stories of hope. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community where recovery is embraced.

To learn more about the mission of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery-month

More information about Smart Recovery, may be found at https://smartrecovery.org

For additional information about recovery visit Knox Health.com. To stay up to date on public health topics follow Knox County Community Health Center or Knox Public Health on Facebook, Instagram or X.