SAFE GC Coalition: September is National Recovery Month

Recovery Month, started in 1989 by the Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a national observance held every September to increase public awareness surrounding addiction recovery, promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.

National Recovery Month is important to the Biden Administration, celebrating the more than 20 million Americans who have had the courage to seek help for substance use disorder, showing millions of others that recovery is possible, honoring their resilience and recommitting to ensure that every American has access to the services and support they need to rebuild lives of purpose and hope.

The American Rescue Plan delivered more than $5 billion to expand mental health and substance use disorder services. The process of prescribing Medication Assisted Treatment for opioid use disorder has been made easier for prescribers, and the Food and Drug Administration has approved two Naloxone products for over-the-counter use, expanding access to life-saving opioid-reversal medications that can prevent fatal overdoses. The Nation’s system of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics is opening 140 new centers to provide frontline care, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.

Improving access to care and building the Nation’s recovery support services infrastructure will ensure long term recovery goals. The Biden Administration has proposed a new rule that would require health insurers to identify any gaps in the mental health and substance use disorder care they provide and to ensure that mental and physical health services are equally accessible. Work is also being done with States to ensure that millions of Medicaid patients enrolled in private Medicaid health plans have coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services.

This year’s theme is entitled “The Art of Recovery”. The 2024 Gallery of Hope: Artistic Expressions of Recovery Across the Nation recognizes the transformative power of creative arts in advancing recovery. In May 2024, the Office of Recovery launched the Gallery of Hope, inviting visual art submissions from individuals with lived experience and their families.

This initiative raises public awareness and understanding of the many contributions that people in recovery bring to our lives by offering a platform for creative expression as a means of connection, healing, and empowerment. By showcasing art as a tool for growth and self-discovery, the project seeks to break down societal stigmas and foster greater understanding and support.

The digital Gallery of Hope: Artistic Expressions of Recovery Across the Nation features over 280 selected artworks and is open for viewing until September 30, 2024, in celebration of National Recovery Month.

During the 35th anniversary of Recovery Month, communities across the nation will reflect on their positive strides and their plans to make recovery support services more accessible so people can live meaningful and productive lives. Over the years recovery-oriented organizations have also played an essential role in states, cities, towns, and neighborhoods to help countless people start and sustain their recovery.

SAFE, Inc. is the only alcohol and substance abuse prevention, intervention and education agency in the City of Glen Cove and supports individuals in recovery. Its Coalition is conducting an opioid prevention awareness campaign entitled. “Keeping Glen Cove SAFE,” to educate and update the community regarding opioid use and its consequences. To learn more about the SAFE Glen Cove Coalition please follow us on www.facebook.com/safeglencovecoalition or visit SAFE’s website to learn more about the Opioid Epidemic at www.safeglencove.org.