NAMI Hernando Opens New Recovery Community Center

Hernando County, FL — On Thursday, June 6, 2024, the Hernando County community witnessed the opening of a new recovery center dedicated to supporting individuals grappling with mental health and substance abuse issues. Spearheaded by Tina Kinney, executive director of NAMI Hernando Inc., and Chad Perdue, director of the Recovery Community Center, this center represents a significant milestone for residents needing comprehensive support services.

The new facility is part of the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), an organization committed to assisting individuals and families affected by mental health and substance abuse issues. Tina Kinney shared the organization’s mission with an eager audience, highlighting the various services available, including crisis intervention and peer and family support groups. More information about NAMI and its services can be found at www.NAMI.org.

Kinney emphasized the importance of peer support in the recovery process. “NAMI Hernando provides peer support to Hernando County Drug Court participants,” she explained. “Peer support is about offering help based on shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment between people in similar situations. The belief that recovery is possible is fundamental to peer support, as is the development of mutually beneficial relationships among individuals with similar life experiences. Research has shown that peer support can significantly enhance engagement in treatment and recovery, foster hope and self-empowerment, improve social functioning and quality of life, and reduce hospitalizations.”

Ashley O’Becker, CEO of the Hernando County Greater Chamber of Commerce, congratulated NAMI on this accomplishment, noting that it has been a long-awaited project. “NAMI has been a dedicated member of the Chamber of Commerce for 21 years. This center is a testament to their unwavering commitment to our community,” O’Becker said.

The recovery community center is a one-stop hub offering diverse support services. From clinical and therapeutic resources to aid those with mental health issues or substance use disorders, the center is a comprehensive resource. Tina Kinney further elaborated, “This community center is a platform for community partners. We will not only provide NAMI groups and resources but also programs like AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery, Dharma, Reiki, and many other pathways to recovery. It’s a person-centered approach, connecting individuals to the resources they need.”

The recovery center is committed to providing its services free of charge, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to recovery. Both individual and peer support are available, with funding for the center coming from the state and opioid abatement funds provided by the county.

Several organizations, including Spring Gardens Recovery Center and Learning to Achieve Wellness, have partnered with NAMI to support the community through this new center.

The new recovery community center in Hernando County offers hope and support to those facing mental health and substance abuse challenges, demonstrating that recovery is possible and accessible for all.