STATE REPRESENTATIVE SIGNS PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS RECOVERY MONTH

Illinois State Representative Robert Rita (left) recently signed a proclamation recognizing September as Recovery Month and acknowledged the importance of offering substance abuse and addiction recovery services. Photo Credit: Provided by the Office of State Representative Robert Rita
Illinois State Representative Robert Rita (left) recently signed a proclamation recognizing September as Recovery Month and acknowledged the importance of offering substance abuse and addiction recovery services. Photo Credit: Provided by the Office of State Representative Robert Rita

State Representative Signs Proclamation Recognizing September As Recovery Month

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

For the second year in a row, State Representative Robert Rita (D- Blue Island) hosted a community event at the Calumet Township Senior Center in honor of National Recovery Month. During the event, Rep. Rita signed a proclamation recognizing September as Recovery Month and invited a substance abuse addiction expert to give a presentation to attendees about different aspects of recovery.

“I want to give the community every opportunity to have them understand why adolescents use drugs and the tools to effectively address the issue,” said Rita. ”Drug overdoses are not a trend, it is an epidemic. In 2018, almost 68,000 died from drug overdoses. It is my goal to provide outreach and education not only to the adults, but also the children in our community.”

During the recent event, Rita invited Danny Romeo, a substance abuse addiction expert, to give his presentation on the Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder and 10 Things Parents Can Do.

“Having been in public service for over 20 years, I have witnessed the positive reality of recovery. Individuals who embrace recovery achieve improved mental and physical health and form stronger relationships with their neighbors, family members, and peers. We need to make more people feel as though recovery is possible,” said Rita.

During the event, Rita signed a proclamation recognizing September as Recovery Month which stated, “Recovery Month observance continues to work to improve the lives of those affected by mental and substance use disorder.”

The proclamation went on to say that by raising awareness of substance abuse disorders and educating community members about recovery resources that exist, residents can help others who are suffering from addiction connect with recovery options and “achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and mentally.”

“Mental and substance abuse disorders affect people of all ethnicities, ages, genders, geographic regions, and socioeconomic levels. They need to know that help is available. These individuals can get better, both physically and emotionally, with the support of a welcoming community,” said Rita.

National Recovery Month is an initiative sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration which falls under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Recovery Month was created to teach Americans that utilizing substance use treatment and mental health services can allow people with mental and substance use disorders to live a healthy and rewarding life, according to information provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

To learn more about National Recovery Month, visit www.recoverymonth.gov.

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