By USM Free Press
The Recovery Oriented Campus Center (ROCC) has been a pinnacle of student success since its founding. With a mission of building a support system made for peers and by peers. The ROCC is centered on helping students through recovery from substance use and mental health conditions.
Utilizing the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) definition of recovery, as “Recovery is a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential”, the ROCC provides opportunities for students to join any given number of groups and attend any events hosted by fellow students who might just know what it feels like to battle an addictive substance and/or a mental health condition.
This past year some of the groups that the students hosted included but is not limited to:
- Support for those in their journey of recovery.
- Poetry for those looking to express a feeling
Whereas some of the events that were hosted included but not limited to:
- Community Lunches for anyone to join (on a weekly basis)
- Mocktail Events
- Financial Literacy
- Movie Nights pertaining to a form of Recovery
Whereas some of the trainings and supplies that were provided included but not limited to:
- Narcan training
- Harm Reduction Kit training and building
When looking at the idea of recovery, whether it is from mental health or substance use. The ROCC considers four different realms of growth, while understanding it will differ for everyone. They are as follows; Health, Home, Purpose, and Community. All four of these are pillars the ROCC considers and all four of these are built within the community.
Although it is a student run group, a faculty member who helps with the day to day is Christopher “Chris” Corson.
The ROCC is located on the second floor of the Sullivan Gym and in the white farmhouse located at 149 State Street, on the Gorham Campus. Adjacent to the Parking Lot with Campus Police. According to their website, the hours of operation are 9-4 five days a week.