Trone, Kuster introduce legislation to support National Recovery Month efforts
U.S. Rep Annie Kuster
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH) joined Rep. David Trone (D-MD) and fellow Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force Co-Chairs, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), to introduce the Honoring National Recovery Month Act to provide consistent funding for National Recovery Month programming. The Senate companion bill will be introduced by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).
National Recovery Month occurs each September. During this month, government agencies, stakeholders, and communities partner with individuals in recovery and their families to celebrate progress, educate the public, and combat stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has been the nation’s leader in Recovery Month efforts – developing targeted outreach materials, suggestions for event planning, and other resources used by groups across the country. A dedicated funding stream, as would be authorized by the Honoring National Recovery Month Act, is needed to ensure this critical work continues and is community-led. The Honoring National Recovery Month Act provides $1 million annually for SAMHSA to develop materials, distribute best practices, and lead activities related to Recovery Month. The legislation provides SAMHSA with the flexibility for funds to be used by a national organization for Recovery Month activities.
“Each September, we recognize National Recovery Month to raise awareness, highlight resources, and help end the stigma around mental health and substance use disorders,” said Rep. Kuster. “The Honoring National Recovery Month Act will provide SAMHSA with funding to expand outreach, activities, and education efforts during National Recovery Month. I’m proud to join my Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force Co-Chairs to introduce this legislation. I look forward to our continued work to implement solutions and secure consistent funding, resources, and support for those in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use.”
“With mental health and substance use disorders on the rise, it’s more important than ever to celebrate National Recovery Month,” said Rep. Trone. “By providing consistent funding for Recovery Month, the millions of Americans in recovery or seeking recovery will know that they are supported and celebrated. I’d like to thank my Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force colleagues and Senators Luján and Sullivan for working with me on this much-needed legislation that will help us end the stigma and save lives.”
“Millions of Americans struggle every day with mental health and substance use disorders. National Recovery Month focuses on educating and raising awareness, allowing us to demonstrate that recovery can be an expectation, not an exception,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I’m proud to join my Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force colleagues, as well as Senators Luján and Sullivan, in introducing legislation that will provide consistent funding for National Recovery Month programming. Our bill will help save lives and empower struggling individuals to get the support they need.”
“Substance use and mental health issues have increased dramatically in Southwest Washington and across the nation during the pandemic, which is why we must act now to tackle these issues. I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan Honoring National Recovery Month Act, which will empower those folks seeking treatment, and provide them with much-needed assistance on their road to recovery,” said Rep. Herrera Beutler.
This bill is endorsed by Faces & Voices of Recovery, National Alliance for Medication Assisted Recovery, The Kennedy Forum, Partnership to End Addiction, Shatterproof, National Council for Behavioral Health, The Voices Project, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness, California Consortium of Addiction Programs & Professionals, Behavioral Health Association of Providers, Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium, and Well Being Trust.