PRINTER'S NO. 3613
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
525
Session of
2024
INTRODUCED BY HEFFLEY, D. WILLIAMS, FREEMAN, KAZEEM, VENKAT,
KHAN, VITALI, STAATS, GALLAGHER, MADDEN, KAUFFMAN, LABS,
M. MACKENZIE, DELLOSO, OLSOMMER, STRUZZI AND GREEN,
SEPTEMBER 17, 2024
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES, SEPTEMBER 17, 2024
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of September 2024 as "National Recovery
Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, More than 20.9 million Americans are recovering from
substance use disorders; and
WHEREAS, According to preliminary drug overdose data issued
in August 2024 by the Department of Health, 4,719 Pennsylvanians
lost their lives due to a drug overdose in 2023, and 1,557
overdose deaths have been reported thus far in 2024; and
WHEREAS, Substance use disorder impacts our friends, families
and neighbors; and
WHEREAS, The recovery process is complex, involving a range
of physical, emotional and social aspects; and
WHEREAS, Individuals in recovery frequently face numerous
challenges and obstacles, such as accessing quality treatment,
establishing social supports and addressing various other unmet
needs essential for improving their physical and mental well-
being; and
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WHEREAS, Act 59 of 2017 directed the Department of Drug and
Alcohol Programs to establish regulations for the licensure of
drug and alcohol recovery houses that receive public funding or
referrals; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth currently has approximately 350
licensed recovery houses that seek to empower individuals to
sustain their recovery and provide an effective recovery
environment; and
WHEREAS, By recognizing this month as "National Recovery
Month," we demonstrate our support for the prevention, treatment
and recovery of individuals with substance use disorders; and
WHEREAS, Since 1989, "National Recovery Month" has been a
national observance during the month of September; therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of September 2024 as "National Recovery Month" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That all Pennsylvanians participate in this
observance by recognizing those in recovery and providing
encouragement and resources so that individuals may continue on
the path of long-term recovery and inspire those still living
with substance use disorders to begin the recovery process.
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