BUTLER — September is National Recovery Month.

With the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources estimating 2.1 million Americans battled an opioid use disorder in 2016, the national opioid epidemic seems as bad as ever.

But there’s hope. And Butler Art Center is working with Butler County Community College to promote that through the Hope is Dope series.

The center will host BC3’s “Stories of Hope” Sept. 30, an event where recovering addicts are welcomed to share their tales in an open-microphone setting.

“There’s a stigma out (there),” said Stephen Haley, Butler Art Center gallery director. “I have not met a nicer group of people.”

BC3 Coordinator of Community Leadership Initiatives Tracy Hack is the events coordinator for “Stories of Hope” and the Hope is Dope series.

The series follows applied quantum philosopher and professional counselor Steve Treu’s approach to addiction recovery, which takes steps by reclaiming “natural endorphins.”

“It’s a strong part of opioid recovery,” Hack said.

Hope is Dope events take place the last Monday of the month and feature stress-reducing, happiness-boosting activities.

“Stories of Hope” is especially designed for recovering addicts, their families and friends. But Hack also wants to attract people who don’t have a personal connection to addiction.

The event will be family-friendly, according to Hack.

“These are going to be positive, hopeful stories,” Hack said.

Hack wants to change public perceptions of addiction by teaching what happens when the brain is under the influence of controlled substances. Kids, Hack believes, need to know the physical effects.

“Stories of Hope” is themed around the Butterfly Effect: The smallest movement of a butterfly’s wings may shift the weather in another part of the world. Hack hopes little things will have major — and good — impacts.

While people share their stories about recovery, kids will have the opportunity to cut out paper butterflies and display them on a gallery wall. The night holds music, food and empathy, according to Hack.

“It’s all designed to build endorphins,” Hack said.

“I have nothing but admiration,” Haley said. “I look forward to (these events) more than anything else.”

Hack said she is thankful for the efforts Haley and others involved with Butler Art Center have put into the event.

“They have been phenomenal in collaborating,” Hack said.

“We are the safe space,” Haley said.

Overall, Hack hopes to fight the opioid epidemic by educating people through personal stories. “If a small group of us start flapping our wings, we can change the road to recovery,” Hack said.

The event is 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 30 at Butler Art Center. Find Hope is Dope on Instagram and Facebook for more information.

Pennsylvania Department of Health is launching its state initiative Stop Overdoses in PA: Get Help Now Week Monday through Friday and Sept. 23 through 27. Naloxone kits will be distributed at 95 predesignated locations on different days, including Butler County State Health Center in the Monarch Building on Wednesday and Sept. 25.

More information is available at health.pa.gov.