Recovery Month

WHEREAS, substance use disorders and mental illnesses are serious public health problems; and in 2009, 4.3 million people received treatment for a substance use disorder and 30.2 million people for a mental health problem; and

WHEREAS, estimates suggest that up to 10 million Americans have a co-occurring disorder, that is having at least one mental illness as well as an alcohol or substance use disorder; and

WHEREAS, among adults with co-occurring disorders, 34 percent received mental health treatment only; 2 percent received specialty substance use treatment only; and 12 percent received both mental health and specialty substance use treatment during the past year; and

WHEREAS, behavioral health is an essential part of one’s overall wellness; and prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover from substance use disorders and mental illnesses; and

WHEREAS, all people posses the fundamental and inherent right to be accepted and treated with respect, human dignity and worth; and

WHEREAS, participation in community life by means of attaining economic prosperity, fair and decent housing, and quality education, as well as benefitting from and contributing to material, cultural and social progress is positive for all individuals; and

WHEREAS, it is critical to educate our communities, policymakers, friends and family members, health care providers and businesses that substance use disorders and mental illnesses are treatable, and that people should seek assistance for these conditions with the same urgency as they would any other health condition; and

WHEREAS, the theme of 2011’s National Recovery Month is "Join the Voices for Recovery: Recovery Benefits Everyone.," which showcases how public awareness will increase access to those in need of essential substance use and mental health services and how legislative changes will improve the overall health and well-being of people in the United States; and

WHEREAS, September has been designated by the Substance Abuse Advocacy Task Force and the Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Recovery Month Committee as Recovery Month, with groups throughout the state holding community celebrations to honor individuals in recovery and the treatment professionals who have helped them reclaim their lives; and

WHEREAS, to help achieve the goal of recovery the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Mental Health America, Council on Substance Abuse-NCADD, Alabama Department of Mental Health, ADMH Substance Abuse Advocacy Task Force, ADMH Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Recovery Month Committee, Alabama Voices of Recovery, FORMLL, Wings Across Alabama and NAMI Alabama invite all Alabamians to participate in Recovery Month:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 2011, as

Recovery Month

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 20th day of September 2011.

                        

Governor Robert Bentley