Extending the Recovery Conversation: Open Heart Campaign Encourages Support Beyond National Recovery Month

BHDD encourages communities to show support for those in recovery

Columbia, SC – October 3, 2025 – Although the celebration of September as National Recovery Month has concluded, the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) Office of Substance Use Services (OSUS) is urging South Carolinians to keep the recovery conversation going. Recovery is not a one-month observance – it’s a daily reality for the nearly 400,000 South Carolina residents who are living in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD).

Recovery looks different for everyone, but a strong through line in recovery journeys is the power of support, connection and compassion. To reinforce that message, OSUS launched the Open Heart 💟 campaign, a simple but powerful symbol that anyone can use to show they stand with people in recovery. Whether shared on a social media profile, displayed on a billboard or used in other creative ways, the Open Heart represents a safe, stigma-free commitment: “You are not alone; my door, my DMs and my heart are open to recovery.”

“Recovery doesn’t end after September,” said Dan Loffredo, Recovery Coordinator at OSUS. “The Open Heart is a reminder that support and compassion are needed every day of the year – from families, neighbors, workplaces, schools and faith communities. By continuing the conversation beyond Recovery Month, we can reduce stigma and create the kind of environment where recovery can thrive.”

In the final days of September, OSUS launched the Open Heart campaign via a digital billboard takeover in the three counties most impacted by overdose deaths in 2023: Charleston, Greenville, and Horry. Communities, companies and individuals are encouraged to share the Open Heart symbol 💟 to show support to those in recovery – whether you’re supporting a loved one, standing as an ally or in recovery yourself.

Families and communities alike are critical partners in sustaining recovery. Supportive environments at home, in workplaces, places of worship and neighborhoods help reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking and make recovery more visible. OSUS encourages South Carolinians to foster open conversations, connect with local resources and show support for recovery throughout the year.

Every Open Heart is a reminder that recovery is possible and support is waiting. South Carolinians are encouraged to add the symbol to their social media bios, share it in their communities and use it as a daily reminder to lead with compassion. Local prevention, treatment and recovery resources can be found at bhdd.sc.gov/office-substance-use-services or by calling 803-896-5555.