Recovery from substance abuse and mental illness will be the focus of a Saturday event downtown.

The Western Tidewater Community Services Board’s Walk for Recovery will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. beginning at 135 S. Saratoga St. Participants will march to Constant’s Wharf, where entertainment by Stronghold, food and activities will be available.

Karen Nicely, clinical administrator for the agency, said the event helps bring attention to the recovery assistance available in the community and shows people who need help that there is support available.

“It’s critical that people have the support they need from the community,” she said.

According to a 2012 study, 43.7 million adults nationwide had a mental illness, but only 34.1 million of them received mental help services. In addition, 23.1 million people 12 or older needed treatment for a drug or alcohol abuse problem, but only 3.8 million of them got it.

“We know the scope of the problem. We know people who need treatment aren’t getting it. For me, that really brings the whole event into perspective,” Nicely said.

Exhibitors at the Constant’s Wharf celebration, which will go from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will include community partners such as the Western Tidewater Free Clinic, Genieve Shelter, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Recovery for Life, Suffolk Literacy Council, Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue’s safety house, the Crisis Intervention Team, kids’ activities emphasizing prevention, and others.

“It’s all about anything you would need to support your recovery,” Nicely said.

Trish Thornes, med detox program manager with the community services board, said the event is about celebrating families.

“I think this event is really neat, because it is a family event for families to celebrate getting their family members back and the changes in their families,” she said.

Teko Wynder, a prevention specialist with the community services board, said the event offers hope.

“The great thing about recovery is people do recover,” he said. “People need to know that people can recover from this disease. Addiction is a disease.”

The walk is put on with assistance from the Obici Health Care Foundation.

Those attending the event should park at Constant’s Wharf, 110 E. Constance Road. A shuttle will be provided to the starting point from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.

Folks who cannot make the walk are welcome to join the party at Constant’s Wharf.

Call 942-1988 for more information.