A Piatt County non-profit announced a successful program will be coming to DeWitt County starting this July.

The Recovery Oriented System of Care, or ROSC, is a program that has been up and running in Piatt County for a couple of years now. On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Piatt County Mental Health Center Executive Director Tony Kirkman announced to Regional Radio, they have secured a grant that will allow them to start this program in DeWitt County this summer.

According to Kirkman, the ROSC approach brings a different philosophy to the road to recovery. He explains it brings those with experience in the journey of recovery alongside an individual that is in recovery. Kirkman adds this program became something he felt compelled to offer to the community when the DeWitt County Substance Abuse Coalition disbanded last year. 

For Kirkman, he needs the recovery community in DeWitt County not only to step up to the table but to lead the charge in this effort. While sometimes shuffled away from the discussion, he hopes to see the recovery community be the leaders in this effort and allow their lived experience to guide the start of this program.

The coalition will face similar challenges to that in Piatt County. Kirkman says they have faced community-driven activities that may not have the presence of alcohol, or identifying gaps in services and other things.

To get involved in the coalition, you can visit piattmhc.org or contact Kirkman at the Piatt County Mental Health Center by calling 217-762-5371. He also directs those interested to contact the DeWitt/Piatt Bi-County Health Department.