Hillcrest Family Services will host a free community event on Saturday, September 12, in recognition of National Recovery Month. The event will feature nationally recognized recovery advocate Brandon Novak, who will share his personal journey from addiction to recovery. Once known as a skateboarding prodigy and star of Jackass and Viva La Bam, Novak’s life became consumed by addiction. Now, celebrating 11 years in recovery, he travels across the country sharing his story to inspire others and help reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorders.

Following Novak’s presentation, a panel of local experts will discuss the realities of addiction in the Dubuque community, available treatment and recovery resources, and ways individuals can support those affected by substance use disorders. The event will be held from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the Heritage Center, 2255 Bennett St., Dubuque. Admission is free and open to the public, although registration is encouraged.

“You could hear a pin drop as he shared his story. He’s honest, he’s engaging, and he’s passionate about recovery. I’m grateful to have him in this fight alongside me,” said the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation.

For more than 125 years, Hillcrest Family Services has provided patient-focused mental health and brain health care, including addiction recovery services, outpatient therapy, HIV and STI testing, homeless outreach, and a variety of other community programs. Hillcrest officials say they are excited to welcome Brandon Novak to Dubuque as part of this important community conversation on recovery.