LEXINGTON, Ky. — Voices of Hope will host its 2026 Recovery Awareness Day celebration on September 5 at Gatton Park in downtown Lexington, bringing together community organizations, people in recovery and their families for an event designed to raise awareness about substance use recovery and expand access to support services.

The free event, titled "Hope Out Loud," will run from 4 to 8 p.m. and feature live music from Colicchie, Jordan Lee King and P2P: The Movement, along with speakers sharing personal stories about recovery, resilience and hope. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman will deliver opening remarks.

A community resource fair will connect attendees with local organizations providing information about recovery services. On-site services include HIV and hepatitis C testing, naloxone training and naloxone distribution. Family activities include creating bluebirds of hope, decorating birdhouses, face painting and outdoor games, along with raffle prizes and free food and T-shirts while supplies last.

A memorial wall will honor people who have lost their lives to addiction and celebrate their impact on loved ones. According to reporting from Lane Report, the event reflects Voices of Hope's mission of reducing stigma and connecting individuals with resources.

Lexington-based Voices of Hope provides peer-centered recovery support services for people recovering from substance use disorders, including one-on-one recovery coaching, telephone recovery support and support groups. The organization operates Kentucky's only Recovery Community Center located at 644 N. Broadway.

The organization also operates mobile outreach units serving people experiencing homelessness or active addiction. In 2024, Fayette County earned certification as a Recovery Ready Community, a state designation recognizing counties that have established peer support services, employment pathways and treatment infrastructure for people in recovery.