Fiscal Note
No fiscal impact.
Title
Proclaiming September 2021 to be National Recovery Month
Body
WHEREAS, mental health and substance use disorders affect all communities nationwide; and,
WHEREAS, 26% of Americans 18 and older suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year; and,
WHEREAS, there are approximately 20 million individuals in the United States with a substance use disorder; and,
WHEREAS, many people suffer from more than one mental disorder at a given time; in particular, depressive illnesses tend to occur with substance use disorders and anxiety disorders; and,
WHEREAS, more than half of people with mental illness don’t receive help for their disorders, often avoiding or delaying treatment due to concerns about being treated differently or fears of losing their jobs and livelihood; and,
WHEREAS, untreated drug and alcohol addiction contributes to tens of thousands of deaths every year and impacts the lives of many more, yet many with substance use disorders do not seek help due to the stigma that surrounds people with addiction; and,
WHEREAS, admitting one has a mental health disorder and/or a substance use disorder is often the first step in recovery, it is imperative we work together to remove the stigma that burdens our family members, friends, neighbors and loved ones who struggle with mental illness and addiction; and,
WHEREAS, in the first half of 2021, Dane County EMS responded to 607 suspected overdoses and 1,192 calls for behavior and mental health emergencies; and,
WHEREAS, through National Recovery Month, people become more aware and able to recognize the signs of mental and substance use disorders, which can lead more people into needed treatment; and,
WHEREAS, there is no shame in asking for help; and
WHEREAS, the Recovery Month observance continues to work to improve the lives of those affected by mental health and substance use disorders by raising awareness and educating communities about the effecti...
Click here for full text