NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 2009 

PROCLAMATION

"NATIONAL ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH”

Treatment and long-term recovery from substance use disorders can offer a renewed outlook on life for those who are addicted and their family members. According to the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 23.2 million persons age 12 or older (9.4) percent of persons age 12 or older) needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem. People who receive treatment for substance use disorders can lead more productive and fulfilling lives, personally and professionally. Studies have consistently found that individualized treatment is essential for people to be successful in their path of recovery. Real stories of long-term recovery can inspire others to ask for help and improve their own lives, the lives of their families, and the entire community. It is critical that we educate our community members that substance use disorders are treatable, yet serious health care problems, and by treating them like other chronic disease, we can improve the quality of life for the entire community. To help achieve this goal, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the Sumter County Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse invite all residents of Sumter to participate in National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. 
 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that  I,  Joseph T. McElveen, Jr., Mayor of the City of Sumter, do hereby proclaim the month of September, 2009 as 

"NATIONAL  ALCOHOL AND DRUG  ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH”
in the
CITY OF SUMTER 

and call upon the residents of Sumter to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies supporting this year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Learn, Together We Heal”.

                                                                                                Joseph T. McElveen, Jr., Mayor