National Recovery Month 2021: Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community
Now in its 32nd year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.
Each September, Recovery Month works to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.
Mental health and substance use disorders affect all communities nationwide, with commitment and support, those affected can embark on a journey of improved health and overall wellness. The focus of National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) this September is to celebrate all people that make the journey of recovery possible by embracing the 2021 theme, “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.”
This year’s theme reminds people in recovery and those who support them, that recovery belongs to all of us. We are all called to end gatekeeping and welcome everyone to recovery by lowering barriers to recovery support, creating inclusive spaces and programs, and broadening our understanding of what recovery means for people with different experiences.
Recovery Month spreads the message that people can and do recover every day. The impact of mental health and substance use disorders is apparent in Wisconsin, with 859,000 (19%) of adults reporting any mental illness in 2020, and 387,000 (8.68%) reporting substance use disorder in the past year.[1] Through Recovery Month, people become more aware and able to recognize the signs of mental health and substance use disorders and encourages people in need of recovery services to seek help. Managing the effects of these conditions helps individuals achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally.
The Recovery Month observance continues to work to improve the lives of those affected by mental health and substance use disorders by raising awareness and educating communities about the effective services that are available.
For more information, visit the National Recovery Month website.
Related events: Wisconsin Voices for Recovery Virtual Rally for Recovery, September 18, 2021
[1] Mental Health America. (2021) The State of Mental Health in America. https://mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america