Chattanooga Celebrates Five Years of Unity on the Bridge in Support of Recovery Journey

Chattanooga’s Unity on the Bridge Marks Five Years of Supporting Recovery

Saturday marked a significant milestone for Chattanooga’s community as it celebrated the fifth year of Unity on the Bridge, an event dedicated to supporting those on their recovery journey from addiction. Held at Coolidge Park, the event brought together participants for a day filled with not just a talent competition, but also an opportunity for healing and connection.

Sammie Hartman and the Mission Behind Unity on the Bridge

Sammie Hartman, chairman of the Unity on the Bridge committee, shared his story and the goals of the event. “My goal today is to make sure that not one single person goes without the knowledge that recovery is possible,” Hartman emphasized. Hartman himself struggled with active addiction for 27 years and now leads efforts to ensure others find paths to rehabilitation and becoming a better part of society.

Community Support and Resources in Abundance

Saturday’s event successfully attracted over 600 attendees, along with 60 vendors providing a wide array of services such as treatment, housing, and mental health support. The vendors aimed to offer comprehensive support to those in need, highlighting the community’s commitment to aiding recovery.

Personal Stories of Triumph Over Addiction

Ryan Rayfield, one of the participants, shared his journey of overcoming addiction. “I had a bad car wreck. The doctors put me on Oxycodone, 30 milligrams, four times a day. I did that for seven years,” Rayfield revealed. He highlighted the importance of resilience and learning from failures, noting, “You can fall as long as you get back up.”

Rayfield’s addiction eventually escalated to fentanyl, a substance he described as particularly destructive. “It’s destroyed so many people. It destroyed me,” he confessed. He recounted how his addiction led to severe personal losses, including cherished relationships and significant property.

National Recovery Month and the Larger Impact

With September being National Recovery Month, the timing of Saturday’s event was particularly meaningful. The large turnout and diverse range of services offered underscored the robust support for recovery within the Chattanooga community.

Rayfield expressed his renewed determination, stating, “I’m gonna stick with and I’m gonna make. This is the first time I’ve ever done actual rehabilitation. I’m 43 years old, so I’m going to make it work. So this is a life changer for me.”

Looking Forward

Unity on the Bridge continues to be a beacon of hope for those recovering from addiction. With its fifth annual event, it has proven to be a crucial support system for many in Chattanooga. The shared stories and resources offered highlight the event’s central message: recovery is possible, and community support plays a vital role in it.