    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9917 of August 30, 2019

    National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, 2019

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    During National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, we raise
    awareness of substance use disorder and celebrate the millions of
    Americans who have successfully overcome addiction. Their stories of
    healing and redemption are a source of hope and encouragement to others
    battling addiction.
    Addiction to alcohol, opioids, and illicit drugs is a public health
    emergency. For this reason, I have taken aggressive action to combat the
    scourge of addiction and help those affected by it. My Initiative to
    Stop Opioid Abuse and Reduce Drug Supply and Demand is designed both to
    reduce the demand for drugs through education, awareness, and the
    prevention of over-prescription and to cut off the flow of drugs across
    our borders. The Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid
    Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act, which
    I signed into law last year, is the single largest bill dedicated to
    combating the drug crisis ever passed in the history of our country.
    This law expands access to evidence-based treatment, protects our
    communities from illicit drugs, invests more in sustained recovery,
    brings those in treatment and recovery back into the workforce, and
    raises public awareness of the dangers of illicitly imported synthetic
    opioids. My Administration also secured more than $6 billion over 2
    years to help Americans affected by addiction to opioids and other drugs
    have access to the care they need. And we continue working closely with
    States to waive overly restrictive Federal rules so they have more
    flexibility to develop and implement innovative solutions to this
    crisis.

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    Every American can work to end the crisis of alcohol and drug addiction
    in our country, which shatters relationships and erodes the strength of
    our communities. Countless first responders, healthcare professionals,
    counselors, recovery coaches, spiritual leaders, and volunteers help
    Americans every day to achieve and sustain recovery through their
    compassion and dedication. Equally important are the courageous
    individuals in recovery who have battled stigma, misunderstanding, and
    the disease of addiction to build a new life. Their struggles, lessons
    learned, and experiences gained on the road to recovery offer invaluable
    inspiration to all who fight addiction. Through The Crisis Next Door
    platform launched by the White House last year, Americans whose lives
    have been tormented by addiction can share their stories and provide a
    glimpse into the tragic consequences of substance use disorder and the
    hope, healing, and joy of lives reclaimed through recovery.
    This month, we reaffirm our commitment to the critical battle against
    alcohol and drug addiction, remember the lives lost to this disease, and
    honor those in recovery. By helping those still struggling find the
    treatment they need and by welcoming home those who are recovering, we
    can make our communities and our Nation stronger, healthier, and more
    prosperous.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2019 as
    National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. I call upon the
    people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate
    programs, ceremonies, and activities.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
    August, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    fourth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP