‘Recovery is for everyone’: Hundreds join Hands Across the Bridge to celebrate their sobriety

Hundreds of Vancouver and Portland residents celebrated their sobriety on Monday by joining hands across the Interstate 5 Bridge.

“It’s just a reminder that recovery is for everyone — every person, every family, every community — and I don’t know what else could embody that more,” organizer Alizz Quarles said.

The annual Hands Across the Bridge has kicked off National Recovery Month in September for 24 years.

The booming rhythm of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s drumming circle filled Esther Short Park to signal the opening and closing of the event, which included speeches by organizers and community leaders. Quarles and Tabby Stokes, vice chair and chair of Hands Across the Bridge, honored Cowlitz Indian Tribe Behavioral Health for stepping up when behavioral and mental health resources