MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2007 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Dawkins, Williamson, Dearing, Fillingane, Frazier, Harden, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jordan, Walls
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007 AS "MISSISSIPPI ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH" AND URGING ALL CITIZENS TO PARTICIPATE IN AWARENESS ACTIVITIES.
WHEREAS, 74% of Americans say that addiction to alcohol has had some impact on them at some point in their lives, whether it was their own personal addiction, that of a friend or family member, or any other experience with addiction. A 63% majority of Americans also say that addiction to either drugs or alcohol has had a great impact on their lives; and
WHEREAS, Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). CSAT, created in October 1992 by a Congressional mandate, provides national leadership in the Federal government's effort to improve the lives of individuals and their families affected by alcohol and drug abuse. CSAT works to improve access to clinically sound, cost-effective addiction treatment to reduce the health and social cost to our communities and the nation. Such factors as inadequate capacity, limited public and private health insurance benefits and stigma have contributed to the gap between the number of people who need treatment and the number who receive it; and
WHEREAS, Recovery Month is an annual observance that takes place during the month of September. The Recovery Month observance highlights the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment, lauds the contributions of treatment providers and promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible. The observance also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective substance abuse treatment for those in need. Each year a new theme, or emphasis, is selected for the observance; and
WHEREAS, stigma and discrimination present obstacles and can be a mark of disgrace to those with substance use disorders who need access to treatment facilities, and for those who want to reestablish their place in the community by entering the workforce; and
WHEREAS, educating our community about how substance use disorders affect children, families and all community members is essential to overcoming stigma and discrimination; and
WHEREAS, we must recognize the achievement of those who seek out treatment services and ensure that such services are readily available to those who need assistance; and
WHEREAS, substance use disorders are a treatable, yet serious health care problem, and we can take steps to address it and so build a stronger, healthier community; and
WHEREAS, this year's Recovery Month theme, "Join the Voices for Recovery: Build a Stronger, Healthier Community," encourages us all to learn about how we can help those suffering from substance use disorders receive treatment, so we can strengthen our community; and
WHEREAS, to help achieve this goal, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health invite all residents of Mississippi to participate in Mississippi Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby designate the month of September 2007 as "Mississippi Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month," and encourage all citizens to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities and ceremonies supporting this year's theme, "Join the Voices for Recovery: Build a Stronger, Healthier Community."
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the Mississippi Board and Department of Mental Health and the federal Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) for distribution to alcohol/drug recovery, treatment and support facilities and groups in Mississippi and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.