BALTIMORE, MD (September 5, 2012) – The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) today kicked off Maryland’s recognition of National Recovery Month at an event at Spring Grove Hospital Center in Catonsville to recognize that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover. Recovery Month is a national observance which promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment and recovery for mental and substance use disorders. Recovery Month “celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and recovery support service providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all forms is possible”.
“Supporting recovery is essential for public health progress,” said Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, Secretary of DHMH. “This month we appreciate all Marylanders in recovery, as well as those who support them.”
Dr. Sharfstein presented a proclamation from Governor Martin O’Malley declaring September as National Recovery Month in Maryland. He was joined by keynote speaker, Peter Gaumond, Chief, Recovery Branch, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) who presented a Proclamation from President Barack Obama, and Rear Admiral Peter Delany from the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
ADAA and MHA support and recognize those who struggle with behavioral health disorders and their impact; salute those who are in treatment and recovery; and acknowledge the important role that family, peer, faith and the community play in a recovery oriented system of care.
More information on other Recovery Month events in Maryland is available on the ADAA web site adaa.dhmh.maryland.gov
