Chattanooga’s Unity on the Bridge Marks Five Years of Supporting Recovery
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Saturday celebrated five years of Unity on the Bridge, a meaningful event focusing on rehabilitation within the Chattanooga community. Held at Coolidge Park, this event not only sheds light on recovery from addiction but also offers a platform for those presently journeying through recovery.
The event featured a talent competition and provided an atmosphere of healing and support. Hundreds of participants and numerous vendors came together to create a supportive environment for everyone involved.
A Community United for Recovery
Sammie Hartman, the chairman of the Unity on the Bridge committee, has firsthand experience with addiction, having struggled with it for 27 years. “My goal today is to make sure that not one single person goes without the knowledge that recovery is possible, and there are places for us to go, and there’s places for us to succeed and become a better member of society,” Hartman shared.
Saturday’s event drew more than 600 attendees, along with 60 vendors offering a range of services, including treatment, housing, and mental health support. The gathering drew Nashville-area residents and community members who echoed the same sentiment of hope and renewal.
Personal Stories of Triumph
Participants resonated with each other through shared stories and experiences. One such story came from Ryan Rayfield, who described his own battle with 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 recalled. “You can fall as long as you get back up. You know you can learn a lot of lessons from failure.”
Rayfield’s addiction eventually led to fentanyl, which had a devastating impact on his life. “It’s destroyed so many people. It destroyed me. It took away somebody that I cared about very much, a three-story house, a luxury apartment that I also owned,” he explained.
A Sobering Reminder During National Recovery Month
The event coincided with National Recovery Month, highlighting the significance of community support in addiction recovery. The gathering stood as a testament to the dedication and resilience of those working towards a better life.
“I’m gonna stick with and I’m gonna make. This is the first time I’ve ever done an actual rehabilitation. I’m 43 years old, so I’m going to make it work. So this is a life changer for me,” Rayfield stated.
Unity on the Bridge showcased how a supportive network can bolster an individual’s efforts to overcome addiction. As the event concluded, there was a palpable sense of camaraderie and mutual encouragement among attendees.
As Chattanooga continues to demonstrate its commitment to breaking the cycle of addiction, events like Unity on the Bridge provide a beacon of hope for those seeking a way forward. The community’s efforts and determination stand as an inspirational example for other cities to follow.
Stay connected with future updates and more community events by subscribing to local newsletters and staying engaged with the support network around you.
