Assembly Resolution No. 551

BY: M. of A. Brown K

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
September 2023, as Recovery Month in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
conditions that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2023, as
Recovery Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Recovery Month; and

WHEREAS, National Recovery Month, sponsored by the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is a national
observance held every September to educate Americans about substance use
treatment and mental health services which can enable those with mental
and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives; and

WHEREAS, National Recovery Month works to encourage and support new
evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a
strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service
providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in
all its forms possible; and

WHEREAS, This vital observance began in 1989, as Treatment Works!
Month, which honored the work of substance use treatment professionals
in the field; the observance evolved into National Alcohol and Drug
Addiction Recovery Month in 1998, when it expanded to include
celebrating the accomplishments of individuals in recovery from
substance use disorders; the observance evolved once again in 2011, to
National Recovery Month which includes mental illness; and

WHEREAS, Now in its 34th year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains
made by those in recovery; and

WHEREAS, Recovery Month highlights the achievements of individuals
who have reclaimed their lives in long-term recovery and honors the
treatment and recovery service providers who make recovery possible; and

WHEREAS, Recovery Month also promotes the message that recovery in
all its forms is possible and encourages citizens to take action to help
expand and improve the availability of effective prevention, treatment,
and recovery services for those in need; and

WHEREAS, The observance of Recovery Month emphasizes that while the
road to recovery may be difficult, the benefits of preventing and
overcoming behavioral health conditions are significant and valuable to
individuals, families, and communities; and

WHEREAS, Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of
prevention, treatment, and recovery for substance use and mental

disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of
treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery
in all its forms is possible and spreads the positive message that
behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works,
treatment is effective, and people can and do recover; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2023, as
Recovery Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.