WHEREAS, challenges with substance use disorders and mental health impacts Virginia communities in every sector of the Commonwealth and across the country; and

WHEREAS, overdose occurs when someone takes more than the recommended amount of a controlled substance, and a devastating effect can result from substance use disorders; and

WHEREAS, treatment for these conditions helps individuals achieve happy and healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally; and

WHEREAS, recovery can be a remarkable outcome, after a transformative journey, resulting in personal growth; and

WHEREAS, with commitment and support, those impacted by mental health or substance use disorders can embark on a pathway to resilience, improved health, and overall wellness; and

WHEREAS, Peer Recovery Specialists are individuals who have personally overcome mental health and/or substance use challenges and are living in successful wellness and recovery; and

WHEREAS, Virginia currently has over 1,100 certified Peer Recovery Specialists with nearly 300 newly certified last year; and

WHEREAS, Family Support Partners are parents or caregivers of loved ones experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges that have successfully navigated the behavioral health system; and

WHEREAS, Peer Recovery Specialists and Family Support Partners provide services in the behavioral health system of care that are strength-based, person-centered, trauma-informed, resilient-oriented, and non-clinical in collaboration with another like-minded individual embarking on their journey of recovery; and

WHEREAS, Recovery Month honors the multiple pathways and recovery journeys for individuals, families, and systems, as well as seeks to improve the lives of those affected by mental health and substance use disorders by raising awareness and education communities about effective services that are available; and

WHEREAS, citizens are encouraged to participate in programs, activities, and events to bring awareness to the importance of recovery principles and concepts, evidence-based best practices, and recovery-oriented frameworks, and to honor the thousands of individuals living, working, and thriving in successful and ongoing recovery throughout Virginia;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 2024, as RECOVERY MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.