HR1148 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1148 LRB098 21163 GRL 59065 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Behavioral health is an essential part of good health and one's overall wellness; and

WHEREAS, Prevention of mental and/or substance use disorders works, treatment is effective, and people recover in our area and around the nation; and

WHEREAS, Preventing and overcoming mental and/or substance use disorders is essential to achieving healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally; and

WHEREAS, We must encourage relatives and friends of people with mental and/or substance use disorders to implement preventive measures, recognize the signs of a problem, and guide those in need to appropriate treatment and recovery support services; and

WHEREAS, In 2011, 2.3 million people aged 12 or older received specialty treatment for a substance use disorder and 31.6 million adults aged 18 or older received mental health services, according to the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health; given the serious nature of this public health problem, we must continue to reach the millions more who need help; and

WHEREAS, On October 1, 2013, as a result of the Affordable Care Act, more than 11 million uninsured individuals with behavioral health needs will become eligible for affordable insurance coverage for their treatment needs, according to the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health; we must ensure that all of these individuals are successfully enrolled into coverage; and

WHEREAS, To help more people achieve and sustain long-term recovery, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the members of the Illinois House of Representatives invite all residents of the State of Illinois to participate in National Recovery Month; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the month of September 2014 as National Recovery Month in the State of Illinois and call upon the people of this State to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies to support this year's Recovery Month.