ND HHS Launches “Recovery Rocks ND” for Nat’l Recovery Month

In honor of National Recovery Month this September, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching a statewide initiative called "Recovery Rocks ND." The program aims to celebrate recovery and reduce the stigma around seeking help for substance use and mental health needs. The initiative encourages community members to express their personal or shared experiences with recovery through painting rocks with messages of hope, resilience, and strength.

Participants are invited to paint one or several rocks, reflecting their recovery journey or connection to recovery, and are encouraged to share them in various ways:

• Keep the rock as a reminder of why recovery is important.
• Share it with a loved one to offer encouragement.
• Display it in a public rock garden to inspire others.
• Post photos of the rock on social media using the hashtag #RecoveryRocksND.
• Submit recovery stories and photos to HHS at hhsnd.site/RecoveryRocksNDShare or email teamdhhs@nd.gov.

Shauna Eberhardt, Behavioral Health Clinical Policy Director at HHS, emphasized the transformative power of this creative initiative. “Each painted rock becomes a tangible reminder of strength, support, and resilience," said Eberhardt, who is both a therapist and an artist. "Celebrating recovery through art allows individuals to visually represent their experiences, growth, and transformation. This small keepsake provides motivation and a sense of belonging, reminding people they are never alone in their recovery.”

Get our free mobile app

Throughout the month, various HHS service centers and behavioral health partners will host rock-painting sessions and establish "Recovery Rocks" gardens. Attendees of the HHS Behavioral Health and Children and Family Services Conference, scheduled for September 16-19 at the Bismarck Event Center, will also have the opportunity to decorate recovery rocks while engaging with peer support specialists who share their own recovery journeys.

With about 50% of Americans knowing someone who struggles with addiction, according to the Recovery First Treatment Center, the initiative highlights the far-reaching impact of recovery on individuals, families, and communities. Lacresha Graham, manager of addiction treatment and recovery programs at HHS, underscored that recovery is a shared experience, offering many pathways. “Recovery doesn’t have to feel like carrying the weight of a boulder,” Graham said. “Each person creates their own steppingstones to recovery.”

For those seeking support, the North Dakota Mental Health Directory offers resources for crisis support, counseling, treatment, and recovery services.