Governor Stein Proclaims National Recovery Month

National Recovery Month

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, September is recognized as National Recovery Month, a time to promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, celebrate the strength and resiliency of individuals recovering from substance use disorders, and applaud the contributions of providers, families, and community partners who support them; and
 

Whereas, substance use disorder is a chronic but treatable medical condition that must be addressed with person-centered, compassionate and evidence-based care; and misunderstandings, judgement, and outdated service approaches perpetuate stigma and shame, create barriers to care, and prevent people from seeking help when they want it; and
 

Whereas, across the country 17 percent of people 12 and older had a substance use disorder in the past year, and in North Carolina nearly 1.5 million people face challenges with substance use, and North Carolina experienced a 34 percent decrease in overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024; the first decline since 2019; and
 

Whereas, recovery is a lifelong, self-defined process that improves health, wellness, and quality of life; and individuals in recovery demonstrate that evidence-based treatment is effective and recovery is possible; and
 

Whereas, the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, within the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), supports recovery services as an integral component of its 2024-2029 Strategic Plan by providing financial and programmatic assistance to collegiate recovery programs, recovery community centers, recovery-supported housing, and peer services; and
 

Whereas, millions of Americans are thriving in recovery, often sharing their experiences and offering hope by supporting others in their communities who are navigating the challenges of substance use disorders and the recovery process; and
 

Whereas, the Recovery Month observance continues to honor those in recovery by raising public awareness, supporting community education on prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and available recovery resources; and strengthening partnerships across systems;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 2026 as “National Recovery Month” in North Carolina and commend its observance.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-seventh day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.