Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol, IronPigs plan sold-out Recovery Night at Coca-Cola Park

Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs will host Recovery Night on Aug. 25 at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, bringing together people in recovery, families and providers for an alcohol-free community event. The sold-out gathering will connect attendees with prevention, treatment and recovery resources, including naloxone information and family support services.

Why it matters: - Recovery Night is designed to show that recovery can be celebrated in a public, family-friendly setting. - The event also connects attendees with local prevention, treatment and recovery services in one place. - The sold-out picnic patio signals strong demand for community-based recovery outreach.

What happened: - Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol is partnering with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs for Recovery Night on Tuesday, Aug. 25. - The event takes place during the IronPigs' 6:45 p.m. game at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown. - The First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union Picnic Patio is sold out. - Tickets were sponsored by Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol and distributed through treatment providers, resource organizations, rehabilitative justice initiatives and Change on Hamilton to individuals in recovery and their families. - The picnic patio will remain alcohol-free throughout the game.

The details: - The event will bring together people in recovery, their families, treatment providers and community members. - Participating organizations include Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol, The Center for Humanistic Change, Counseling Solutions of the Lehigh Valley, Change on Hamilton, Mid Atlantic Rehabilitation Services, Treatment Trends, Inc. and Valley Youth House. - Those organizations will share information about prevention, treatment, recovery support services and family resources. - MARS will present information about the Families Obtaining Recovery Together program, known as FORT. - FORT is a free service funded entirely by Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol for Lehigh County family members whose loved ones are struggling with a substance use disorder. - The Center for Humanistic Change will present a Mini Mock Teen Bedroom educational exhibit. - The tabletop display asks visitors to identify hidden compartments and diversion safes disguised as everyday household objects. - The exhibit is meant to help parents and caregivers learn current substance use trends and warning signs. - Attendees can also learn about Rise Above Opioids, Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol's community education initiative. - Information about free naloxone, also known as Narcan, will be available. - The night also includes Tail Waggin' Night, presented by Abby Road Veterinary Hospital. - The IronPigs will feature appearances by the Phillie Phanatic. - The team will also give away a Patriotic Hambone Poster to the first 3,000 adults ages 18 and older. - For more information about prevention, treatment and recovery resources, visit more information.

Between the lines: - Molly Stanton, assistant administrator at Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol, said the ballpark setting makes recovery feel welcoming and familiar while connecting families with support. - Andrew D'Angelo, executive director of the Center for Humanistic Change, said the partnership reflects the role of local support networks in sustaining recovery. - The event blends outreach, education and entertainment, which can make recovery resources more accessible to people who might not seek them out in a clinical setting.

What's next: - Attendees will be able to gather at Coca-Cola Park on Aug. 25 and access recovery-related information during the game. - Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol will continue promoting prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery support through its Rise Above Opioids initiative. - Community partners are expected to keep using outreach events to connect residents with services and reduce stigma around substance use disorder.

The bottom line: - Recovery Night turns a baseball game into a visible community recovery event, with services, education and family support built into the experience.