Fiscal Note
No City appropriation required.
Title
Proclaiming September 2026 to be National Recovery Month
Body
WHEREAS, mental health and substance use disorders affect all communities nationwide; and,
WHEREAS, more than 20% of American adults experience mental illness in a given year, with more than 5% of American adults experiencing serious mental illness; and,
WHEREAS, in 2025, nearly 45 million Americans met diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder in the past year; and,
WHEREAS, in the first half of 2026, Dane County EMS responded to 455 suspected overdoses and 1,529 calls for behavior and mental health emergencies; and,
WHEREAS, many people suffer from more than one mental disorder at a given time; and,
WHEREAS, in particular, depressive illnesses tend to occur with substance use disorders and anxiety disorders; and,
WHEREAS, more than half of people with mental illness do not 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; and,
WHEREAS, 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, 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 m...
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