[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 170 (Wednesday, September 29, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H5515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize September as National Recovery Month.
  It is important that we draw attention to this special month as we 
continue to battle the ongoing addiction epidemic in our country.
  For 32 years, National Recovery Month has continued to celebrate the 
gains made by those in recovery as well as promote and support new 
evidence-based treatment and recovery practices. It is also a time to 
focus on raising awareness and understanding of mental health and 
substance use disorders.
  Over the past month, many of my colleagues have sported purple 
ribbons to show our support for those in recovery.
  Currently, over 23 million Americans are in recovery from an 
addiction to drugs or alcohol. By recognizing National Recovery Month, 
we can highlight the strength of the recovery community and show 
support to our healthcare workers, first responders, friends, family, 
and community who support those in recovery.
  Addiction to alcohol or other substances like opioids is an ongoing 
epidemic plaguing communities across the Nation. We know addiction does 
not discriminate. It can happen to anyone, regardless of race, gender, 
or socioeconomic status.
  That is why this year's National Recovery Month theme is ``Recovery 
for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.''
  As we continue to battle the addiction epidemic, we must highlight 
the work of organizations like Faces and Voices of Recovery that 
promote National Recovery Month and continue to provide resources to 
those in recovery as well as friends and family.
  In my home State of Pennsylvania, there were more than 5,200 deaths 
due to drug overdoses this past year. These numbers continue to be 
highly alarming, and we must continue to work to combat this epidemic.
  No one can tackle addiction on their own, and by recognizing National 
Recovery Month, we are showing there is light at the end of the tunnel, 
and with the right support, there is a road to recovery.
  Throughout the month of September, Faces and Voices of Recovery 
encourages local communities to host events to highlight the services 
available for those in need.
  Last week, Venango County Human Services celebrated National Recovery 
Month at Franklin's Bandstand Park. This event had family-friendly 
activities, where those who participated could win prizes, enjoy 
refreshments, and pin a ribbon on the recovery board. The event 
celebrated community members, first responders, healthcare workers, and 
others who support recovery. Local vendors were encouraged to set up 
tables to share information about their programs. The evening ended in 
a candlelight vigil, remembering those who had passed due to their 
addiction.
  By engaging our local communities, we can continue to make recovery 
and those who support it possible. We can work together to change the 
way addiction and recovery are understood, to better support those who 
are struggling.
  As September ends, let's continue to elevate the organizations that 
provide resources and support to those recovering from addiction.

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