FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland-Fayetteville Opioid Response Team (C-FORT) is proud to join National Recovery Month in September to celebrate gains made by those in recovery and to raise awareness of mental health and substance abuse recovery services in our community. This year’s theme is Education. Empowerment. Remembrance.
Now in its 5th year, National Recovery Month is observed every September as a time to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the strong and proud recovery community, and the dedicated service providers and community members who make recovery in all its forms possible.
At C-FORT, we believe recovery is not only possible — it’s expected when people have access to the right support systems. Our mission is to meet individuals where they are and walk alongside them on their path to healing through compassionate outreach, peer support, and community engagement.
“Recovery is a journey that no one should have to walk alone,” said C-FORT Coordinator Greg Berry. “This month, we not only celebrate those who have reclaimed their lives — we also reaffirm our commitment to helping others find their way back to hope and wholeness.”
Throughout the month of September, C-FORT and partner agencies will host a series of community events, outreach efforts, and educational activities to honor those in recovery and advocate for continued access to life-saving services.
“We invite the community to join us in celebrating recovery, breaking stigma, and supporting our neighbors in their pursuit of a healthy, fulfilling life. The work of C-FORT aligns with Board of Health’s priority to enhance substance use services in our community,” said Dr. Kingsley Momodu, Chair of the Cumberland County Board of Health. “By supporting recovery and reducing stigma, we are strengthening the foundation of public health and saving lives.”
Pre-Event Community Outreach: Naloxone Distribution and Education
As part of Overdose Awareness Month, C-FORT conducted targeted outreach on Aug. 4, 11 and 18 in high-overdose risk corridors. Outreach efforts included large-scale naloxone distribution, overdose awareness and education, access to harm reduction resources, and connections to treatment and recovery support services. Outreach efforts focused on motels, tobacco shops, corner stores, encampments, and other priority locations.
Training Events
Sept. 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses
Cumberland County Department of Public Health (1235 Ramsey Street)
Registration required.
Community Events
Fayetteville State University
Naloxone Kit Making and Overdose Prevention Training
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Bronco Lounge RJSC 132
International Overdose Awareness Day at Methodist University
Aug. 31 from 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Matthews Ministry Center
https://www.methodist.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/flier_overdose.pdf
Life Net Recovery Foundation 5th Annual Recover Out Loud
Sept. 6, 2025 from 12 - 4 p.m.
6627 Old Bunce Road, Fayetteville
Recovery Month Recognition at the C-FORT Recovery Resource Center
Sept. 5, 11 & 16
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.707 Executive Place
Carolina Treatment Center Recovery Remix
Daily events Sept. 21 - 26
3427 Melrose Rd
https://www.ctcprograms.com/location/fayetteville-comprehensive-treatment-center/
Visit the C-FORT website (https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/public-health-group/public-health/community-services/c-fort-(opioid-response)) for a full list of Local Recovery Month events. For more information about C-FORT’s programs or to get involved during National Recovery Month, please contact C-FORT Coordinator Greg Berry at cfort@cumberlandcountync.gov.
Community members are encouraged to follow National Recovery Month on social media with the following hashtags: #RecoveryMonth | #CFORT | #RecoveryIsPossible
Access C-FORT via the MyCCNCGov mobile app. Download the app for upcoming classes, training and outreach events. The mobile app can be installed by searching MyCCNCGov in the Apple or Google Play App Stores.
For more information about Cumberland County Department of Public Health programs, visit cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/public-health (https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/public-health-group/public-health) or call 910-433-3600.