Encourages people to speak up about mental illness and substance abuse
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois–(ENEWSPF)–August 29, 2014. Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed September as “Recovery Month” in the state of Illinois to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders. Recovery Month celebrates the continued success of many people in Illinois who have achieved recovery from alcohol and substance addiction and mental illness.
“It is critical that community leaders and organizations support the efforts of National Recovery Month. We know that mental health and substance use disorders can be treated and there are many pathways to recovery. Recovery Month celebrates the reality that prevention works, treatment is effective and people do recover,” Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Secretary Michelle R.B. Saddler said.
This year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Speak Up, Reach Out,” encourages people to openly discuss – or speak up about – mental and substance use disorders and the reality of recovery. It aims to foster public understanding and acceptance of the benefits of prevention, treatment and recovery from behavioral health conditions.
Last year, IDHS funded substance abuse treatment services for nearly 80,000 people and mental health services for approximately 140,000 people in Illinois.
For more information about Recovery Month, visit www.recoverymonth.gov.
Source: illinois.gov
