FLORENCE, Ky. — In a proactive initiative, the Brighton Recovery Center for Women held a track and field day, bringing program participants and their families together for a day of fun and education.

It was a day filled with community, games and food. That’s what program participant Emily Sanker says Brighton Center Recovery is about.

Sanker said,"Today is essential for this community to show what kind of community we have at Brighton. We’re a sisterhood.”

While the day was filled with fun and laughter, there were also other important services, including naloxone training.

Gabi Deaton is a harm reduction health educator with the Northern Kentucky Health Department. She travels across the region to provide services. After surviving two heroin overdoses and going through the Brighton program herself 13 years ago, she says coming back is a full circle moment.

Deaton said, "Being able to be around all these women who are going through something that I went through, are very similar. And knowing all the possibilities that they have once they leave here, is really I don’t know, it’s really eye opening for me. And makes me very grateful.”

The event also offered free sexually transmitted disease and sexually transmitted infection testing provided by UK Health Care. Senior health educator coordinator, Paul Trickel said getting tested can not only save your life but others.

Trickel said, "It’s important for anyone and age. The CDC recommendation is that anyone between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested at least once in their lifetime, so we also offer general testing for those populations as well.”

As everyone enjoyed their time, Sanker said she can’t believe how far she’s come.

She said, "It’s been life changing. I’ve learned a lot about myself. And I learned my behaviors and my past aren’t going to determine my future.”

Families leaving with not only memories of a fun day but with knowledge that can make a major change in emergencies.