Agenda Item - 2023-09-05 - Number 4.1 - Proclamation - National Recovery Month 4.1
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Proclamation
DREG°N-‘ National Recovery Month
WHEREAS, September marks National Recovery Month nationwide. In Lake Oswego, we proudly
join in bringing awareness to the important systems of recovery, reducing the harmful stigma of
addiction, and emphasizing the role community support plays in recovery efforts. Following 30
years of recognition, this year's theme centers on the significance of first responders, healthcare
workers, community leaders, and advocates in supporting recovery within our society.
In celebrating National Recovery Month, we also solemnly recognize the continued suffering that
comes at the lack of investment Oregon has historically made in addiction recovery, while also
recognizing the challenging and often long road many of neighbors in recovery and their loved ones
have walked. Recovery requires an immense amount of individual courage and emotional fortitude.
There are proven pathways to success that rely on an important combination of compassionate
care, medical science, and community support. No one recovers alone. Recovery often requires
unwavering love and empathy of family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
Nationwide, 16.5% of the population suffers from substance abuse disorder. Of those, 64%suffer
from alcohol use disorder and 36%suffer from drug use disorder. In Oregon, six people die daily
from alcohol alone. While deaths from acute drug use are notably on the rise, excessive alcohol use
leads to thousands of deaths each year. This is the third leading cause of preventable deaths in the
state and is estimated to cost Oregonians billions annually. Alcohol is responsible for more
emergency room visits than any other substance, representing 42%of all drug-related visits.
As a community, let us recognize addiction for the serious medical condition it is, and through our
support, eradicate its stigma as a self-imposed moral shortcoming. We share the renewed joy for
life with those who are in recovery from addiction and acknowledge the unique life-long, daily
attention recovery requires. We thank the medical practitioners and scientists in our city who work
within the recovery community and the many others in our workplaces and neighborhoods who are
a part of the recovery journey. We express heartfelt gratitude for those leaders in our daily lives
who share their personal recovery story and work to support a path to new life in others.
NOW,THEREFORE, be is resolved that we, the Lake Oswego City Council, proclaim September 2023
as National Recovery Month in Lake Oswego. We invite all residents to join us in learning more
about addiction, advocating for increased resources, spreading awareness, and stepping forward to
compassionately support loved ones who may be suffering. Together, we can promote recovery and
the immense benefit it brings to the health of our entire community.
Joseph M. Buck, Mayor
September 5, 2023