The Great American Recovery promotes recovery that supports the whole person—mind, body, relationships, purpose, and community.

A healthier America requires looking beyond individual interventions and building environments where people can thrive.

• Treatment works. People who receive timely, compassionate care for suicidal thoughts or behaviors can and do heal.
• Recovery is not simply the absence of substance use — it is the active, ongoing pursuit of physical health, mental wellbeing, and emotional resilience; embracing the whole self is what makes recovery last.
• The Science of Self-Care: Why Nutrition, Sleep, and Exercise Are Recovery Tools.
• The fundamentals of physical health are also fundamentals of recovery. Research consistently shows that regular physical activity reduces cravings and improves mood, quality sleep supports emotional regulation and cognitive function, and balanced nutrition helps restore the body’s natural systems disrupted by substance use. These are not optional add-ons to a recovery plan — they are evidence-based pillars of sustained wellness.
• Mental Wellbeing Is Not Separate from Recovery — It Is Recovery.
• Building a Life You Love Living — Wellbeing as the Foundation of Long-Term Recovery: When people in recovery have access to holistic wellness resources — from fitness and nutrition education to mental health services — they are not just surviving; they are building vibrant, grounded lives that make recovery worth protecting every day.

Every step toward wellness strengthens recovery.

The Great American Recovery recognizes that every recovery story has the power to reduce stigma, inspire hope, and remind others that recovery is possible for everyone.

• When people in recovery share their stories with neighbors, employers, faith communities, and law enforcement, are evidence that recovery could be a reality.
• Authentic storytelling: When individuals bring their recovery journeys into community spaces, police precincts, city councils, and public forums, they shift how policies are written, how resources are allocated, and how people in recovery are treated.
• This Recovery Month, we shift the spotlight from challenges to celebration; honoring the milestones reached, relationships rebuilt, and lives fully lived, because celebrating recovery out loud is itself a powerful act of stigma reduction.
• Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Faces & Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) have built movements on the power of shared experience, offering proven models for how sharing your story can build community, create belonging, improve and save lives, and grow recovery-affirming cultures.

Every story shared helps build a more recovery-ready America.

The Great American Recovery begins with a simple belief: recovery is strongest when communities work together.

• Communities provide connection through employment services and resources to connect with family, faith communities and other Programs: a coordinated network.
• Recovery is strengthened through relationships, belonging, meaning, and purpose. Families, faith communities, workplaces, schools, tribal communities, and local organizations all play a role in creating recovery-supportive environments.
• Addiction thrives in isolation. Recovery grows through connection.
• Research shows that meaningful human connection rewires the brain for resilience, hope, and sustainable sobriety.
• When recovery housing, peer support, employment services, and support groups function as one coordinated network, communities create the conditions where lasting recovery becomes possible for more people.

Every partnership strengthens recovery.

August 18, 2026

Alcohol and Drug Services of Guilford Announces Dr. Angela Maxwell as President & Chief Executive Officer

Greensboro, NC — The Board of Directors of Alcohol and Drug Services of Guilford, Inc. (ADS) is pleased to announce Dr. Angela Evette Maxwell as the organization’s new President & Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Maxwell began serving in this role on August 7, 2026.

Dr. Maxwell brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder services, prevention, nonprofit operations, and government-funded programs. Her return to ADS represents a meaningful homecoming. She previously spent more than 20 years with ADS in progressive leadership roles, including two decades as Director of Prevention & Early Intervention Services. During her tenure, she led multi-county programs, expanded ADS’s service area from one county to 10 counties, managed staff and grant funding, and built strong relationships with community and government partners.

“Dr. Maxwell brings a unique combination of deep institutional knowledge of ADS, extensive behavioral health leadership experience, and a strong understanding of the needs of the communities we serve. The Board is excited to welcome her back to ADS and confident that her leadership will help move the organization forward while building on its strong foundation,” said Felicia Williams, Board Chair of Alcohol and Drug Services of Guilford, Inc.

The Board of Directors also extends its appreciation to Ronald C. Rau, Jr. for his leadership and service to ADS and his commitment to the organization’s mission and the communities it serves.

Prior to returning to ADS, Dr. Maxwell served in leadership roles with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, where she provided oversight of multi-million-dollar state and federal behavioral health funding streams. She also managed complex grant portfolios exceeding $18 million, with experience in compliance, fiscal stewardship, program development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.

Dr. Maxwell is a nationally recognized leader in the substance use disorder field. She served as President of NAADAC, the National Association of Addiction Professionals, from 2022–2024, becoming the organization’s first African American president. She also served as the first African American and female President of Addiction Professionals of North Carolina.

“I am honored to return to ADS and serve as its President and CEO,” said Dr. Maxwell. “ADS has played an important role in my professional journey, and I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside the Board, staff, partners, and community to build on ADS’s strong foundation and expand its impact.”

Dr. Maxwell holds a PhD in Leadership Studies from North Carolina A&T State University, a master’s degree in Human Services–Agency Counseling, and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The Board welcomes Dr. Maxwell back to ADS and looks forward to her leadership as the organization continues its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality behavioral health and substance use disorder services throughout the community.

Please join the Board and staff in welcoming Dr. Angela Maxwell as President & Chief Executive Officer of Alcohol and Drug Services of Guilford, Inc.
 
 

We are currently in search of a counselor for our office in Greensboro. M-F 6am start time. Will be 20-30 hours per week. Benefits with 30 hours. Must be CADC, LCAS, LCMHC, LCSW.
 
Please call Michelle at 910-568-2524

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed each year on May 29 to honor the men and women who serve in peacekeeping missions around the world. These brave individuals work in dangerous and unstable environments to protect civilians, support human rights, and help countries recover from conflict. The day also remembers the peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving under the United Nations flag. Since the first UN peacekeeping mission in 1948, thousands of military personnel, police officers, and civilian staff have dedicated themselves to promoting peace and stability. Their commitment continues to make a difference in communities affected by war and violence.

United Nations peacekeepers play an important role in maintaining global peace and security. They often help monitor ceasefires, assist with humanitarian aid, and support democratic elections in countries recovering from conflict. Peacekeepers come from many different nations, showing how international cooperation can help solve global problems. Their work requires courage, patience, and compassion because they often operate in areas facing political unrest, poverty, and violence. In today’s world, where many regions continue to face war, displacement, and humanitarian crises, the work of UN peacekeepers is more important than ever.

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers also serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and diplomacy in creating lasting peace. It encourages people around the world to recognize the sacrifices peacekeepers make to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further conflict. The theme of the observance often highlights the changing challenges peacekeepers face and the need for continued global support. By recognizing the dedication of UN peacekeepers, people can better appreciate the value of cooperation, peacebuilding, and humanitarian service worldwide.

The big three signs of an opioid overdose, such as one from fentanyl, are slow to no breathing, unconsciousness, and pinpoint pupils. Here’s how you can check for those three:

1. Slow to no breathing: Place your hand on the person’s chest to feel for the rise and fall of their breath. You can also place your hand under their nose or over their mouth and feel for their warm breath.

2. Unconsciousness: Start by shouting the person’s name and asking if they can hear you. If they don’t respond verbally, you can cause some painful stimuli. Give them a “trap pinch” by pinching the corner between their neck and shoulder as hard as you can. If they’re overdosing, they may not respond to this.

3. Pinpoint pupils: Use a flashlight, like the one on your smartphone. Lift their eyelid and shine the flashlight into their eye for three to five seconds. Normal pupils will dilate when the light is removed, but someone with a fentanyl overdose will have pinpoint pupils.

It’s critical to call 9-1-1 when somebody is overdosed to ensure they get the medical attention they need. Many states have Good Samaritan laws to protect people who call 9-1-1 in such situations.
Narcan, or naloxone, is an opioid blocker used to reverse overdoses. Administering Narcan can save lives, but it’s essential to call 9-1-1 immediately afterward and seek medical attention.

Additionally, if you’re using opioids or other drugs, it’s crucial to carry Narcan, not use alone, and test your drugs for fentanyl contamination. Test strips can help detect fentanyl in substances, but they’re not foolproof, and you should still take precautions.

Remember, if someone presents a pill claiming it’s safe because it’s been tested, don’t trust it. Only take medications prescribed by a doctor or obtained from a legitimate pharmacy. It’s essential to take these steps to keep yourself and others safe and potentially save lives.

March is recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities. This observance was first established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan to promote awareness and highlight the contributions of people with disabilities. Developmental disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities, can affect physical, learning, language, or behavioral areas. The month focuses on breaking down barriers that prevent full participation in society. It also encourages communities to recognize the strengths, talents, and rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. By raising awareness, society moves closer to creating environments where everyone can thrive.

A key goal of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to promote inclusion in all aspects of life, including education, employment, and community activities. Individuals with developmental disabilities often face challenges such as limited access to resources, social stigma, and unequal opportunities. Advocacy organizations like The Arc of the United States work to ensure that individuals receive the support and protections they need. Inclusive practices, such as accessible workplaces and schools, help foster independence and dignity. Communities are encouraged to listen to and amplify the voices of people with disabilities. When inclusion becomes a priority, everyone benefits from a more diverse and equitable society.

Education and awareness play a critical role in reducing misconceptions about developmental disabilities. By learning about different conditions and the experiences of those affected, people can become more compassionate and informed. Early intervention services, therapies, and support systems can significantly improve quality of life and long-term outcomes. Families and caregivers also play an essential role and often need access to resources and support networks. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month serves as a reminder to advocate for policies and programs that promote accessibility and equity. Through understanding, acceptance, and action, communities can create a future where individuals of all abilities are valued and included.

American Heart Month is observed each February to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. This national observance encourages individuals, families, and communities to focus on heart health and learn the warning signs of heart disease and stroke. Preventing heart disease starts with small, sustainable changes. Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limiting sodium and added sugars can significantly reduce risk. Managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding tobacco products are also essential protective measures. Individuals should work with their healthcare providers to manage chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes and to determine whether medications are needed.

One important area in the fight against heart disease is the role of family history and genetics. Individuals with a parent or sibling who has heart disease, especially at a younger age, may be at higher risk and should discuss earlier or more frequent screening with their healthcare provider. It is also necessary to highlight the connection between heart health and other conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, chronic stress, and inflammatory diseases. High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” typically has no symptoms but can quietly damage the heart, brain, and kidneys over time. The general goal for most adults is a blood pressure under 120/80 mmHg. Early detection allows for lifestyle changes and treatment before serious complications occur. Mental health plays a significant role in cardiovascular health, as chronic stress and depression can increase inflammation and blood pressure. Sleep health is another major contributor, with untreated sleep apnea increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Women should be aware that pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes can increase long-term cardiovascular risk.

Understanding the warning signs of heart problems can save lives. Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back. Heart disease is often underdiagnosed or misinterpreted in women. Women may experience subtler symptoms such as unusual fatigue, indigestion, or upper back pressure. Learning CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator can significantly improve survival rates during sudden cardiac arrest. It is also important to recognize stroke warning signs using the acronym FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911. Anyone experiencing these warning signs should call 911 immediately rather than attempting to drive themselves to the hospital.