Pro Skateboarder And Former Addict To Keynote Bucks Recovery Fair

NEWTOWN, PA —With one in four Americans directly affected by addiction, the Collegiate Recovery Program at Bucks County Community College will hold its second annual Recovery & Mental Health Community Resource Fair on Saturday, March 8.

The free event, to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Linksz Pavilion on the Newtown campus, will bring together representatives from more than 50 organizations from Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties to share information about collegiate recovery programs, substance use disorder and recovery, harm reduction, mental health, suicide, grief, eating disorders, domestic violence and sexual health and wellness.

At noon, keynote speaker Brandon Novak, a professional skateboarder who overcame 20 years of heroin addiction, will share his story.

First discovered by Tony Hawk, Novak rose to fame on the hit MTV show, “Viva la Bam,” and the “Jackass” movies. After his recovery, he wrote the best-selling memoir, “Dreamseller,” and now travels the country to bring awareness and education to youth across the nation. His talk will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

“The fair provides the opportunity to bridge gaps in awareness, support, and treatment for our college community and for the public,” said Emily Sexton, the college’s collegiate recovery program coordinator. “This event is intended to foster a community of hope and reduce stigma so that no one is alone in their journey.”

Participating organizations include:

• Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission
• Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center
• NAMI Bucks County/National Alliance on Mental Illness
• SEAS/Siblings Ending Addiction Stigma
• BCOC/Bucks County Opportunity Council
• AIM/Angels in Motion
• Be a Part of the Conversation
• Child and Family Focus
• Abbey's Bakery: Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention
• The Rainbow Room/Planned Parenthood Keystone

For the full list of participating organizations, visit bucks.edu/crp. Light refreshments will also be available.

The event, made possible through Bucks County Opioid Settlement Funds, takes place at Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown 18940. The Linksz Pavilion is No. 14 on the Campus Map. For more information, contact collegiaterecovery@bucks.edu.

The Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) at Bucks County Community College supports students in recovery and students affected by someone else's addiction. The program is partially funded by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and Bucks County Opioid Settlement Funds. The Bucks CRP is a member of the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) and adheres to the recommendations and standards established by ARHE.