[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 12, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH 2017

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2017

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support and recognition of 
National Recovery Month 2017. According to the Center for Behavioral 
Health Statistics and Quality's 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and 
Health, an estimated 20.8 million individuals aged 12 or older were 
classified with a substance use disorder, while approximately 43.4 
million Americans aged 18 or older had a diagnosed mental illness in 
2015. Moreover, in 2015, more than 8.1 million U.S. adults aged 18 or 
older had co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. These 
disorders often require long-term, high-quality treatment and support 
services.
  Now in its 27th year, National Recovery Month is coordinated by the 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and 
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) every September to 
increase awareness of the importance of behavioral health conditions 
and to highlight the achievements of those who have reclaimed their 
lives in recovery. National Recovery Month also affords Americans the 
opportunity to leam more about effective prevention, treatment and 
recovery programs designed to assist those dealing with behavioral 
health challenges and to celebrate the dedicated service providers who 
make recovery possible.
  The theme for this year's commemoration of National Recovery Month is 
``Join the Voices for Recovery: Strengthen Families and Communities.'' 
The 2017 theme was selected in order to highlight the critical role 
families and communities play in supporting individuals throughout the 
recovery process, as well as to encourage individuals in recovery, 
their family members and their support networks to stay the course by 
reflecting upon their shared experiences, successes and achievements. I 
applaud this year's National Recovery Month theme for incorporating the 
importance of family and community resources in promoting a positive 
outcome.
  Here in the District of Columbia, there are thousands of women and 
men working day in and day out on behalf of community-based 
organizations, nonprofit/advocacy associations, health care providers 
and both local and federal government agencies to support residents who 
are in recovery from mental and/or substance use disorders. Entities 
such as the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health, University Legal 
Services, D.C. Superior Court Mental Health Community Diversion Court, 
the Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia and the Court 
Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) all offer specialized 
programming and services to help those confronting behavioral health 
challenges.
  To mark this year's commemoration of National Recovery Month, CSOSA, 
along with other D.C. public safety partners, will sponsor a series of 
events, panel discussions and programs designed to increase awareness 
and understanding of mental and substance abuse disorders throughout 
the District and to promote people in recovery and those working in the 
field of recovery. For example, on September 12, 2017, CSOSA's Reentry 
and Sanctions Center will host an open house to educate the public 
about CSOSA's treatment services, as well as to promote the ideals and 
theme of National Recovery Month 2017.
  With over 80 percent of CSOSA's entering population self-reporting a 
history of substance abuse and approximately 40 percent reporting a 
diagnosed mental illness, CSOSA places a priority on providing quality 
programming and treatment services. CSOSA provides clients in need of 
treatment with a variety of services, including detox and short- and 
long-term residential and aftercare. In addition, CSOSA's Reentry and 
Sanctions Center provides high-risk clients with intensive assessment 
and pre-treatment services as well as those with co-occurring substance 
use and behavioral health challenges.
  Mental and/or substance use disorders affect all communities. Yet, 
with the proper professional help, support and treatment, we know that 
people suffering from these disorders can achieve healthy and 
productive lives in recovery. The annual commemoration of National 
Recovery Month is designed to celebrate the gains made by these 
individuals and to further educate the American public on the 
transformative nature of substance use treatment and mental health 
services.
  Therefore, I ask the House of Representatives to join me and the 
millions of other American voices of recovery this September in support 
of National Recovery Month 2017.

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