Recovery Month

WHEREAS, mental illnesses, substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders affect millions of individuals, as well as their concerned families and friends; and

WHEREAS, approximately 45.9 million Americans ages 18 and older had mental illnesses in the past year, and about 11.4 million of those adults had serious mental illnesses; additionally, 22.1 million Americans ages 12 and older were classified with substance use disorders in the past year; and 

 WHEREAS, about half of individuals with severe mental illnesses are also affected by substance abuse, a condition that is known as having a co-occurring disorder; and

 WHEREAS, this year marks the 23rd Anniversary of National Recovery Month, which seeks to promote the societal benefits of prevention, treatment and recovery from mental illnesses and substance use disorders; the observance also celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible; Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover; and

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

WHEREAS, in 2010, of the 45.9 million Americans ages 18 and older who experienced mental illnesses, just 17.9 million received mental health treatment; moreover, 23.1 million people ages 12 and older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem, while only 2.6 million actually received treatment at a specialty facility; and

 WHEREAS, this year’s Recovery Month theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: It’s Worth It,” emphasizes that while the road to recovery may be difficult, the benefits of preventing and overcoming mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders are significant and valuable to individuals, families and communities; people in recovery can achieve healthy lifestyles, both emotionally and physically, and contribute in positive ways to their communities; and

WHEREAS, September has been designated by the Alabama Department of Mental Health’s Substance Abuse Advocacy Task Force and the Alabama Recovery Month Committee as Recovery Month, with groups throughout the state hosting community events to celebrate 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, Alabama 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 the month of September 2012, as

Recovery Month

in the state of the 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 31st day of August 2012.

 

Robert Bentley, Governor