[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