SANTA FE – Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is encouraging New Mexicans to observe the month of September as Recovery Month.

“Behavioral health is an essential component of health and wellness, and treatment is an effective tool that helps people with substance abuse and mental disorders recover,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in her proclamation.

Mental health and substance use disorders affect all communities. With commitment and support, those impacted can embark on a journey of improved health and overall wellness. The focus of Recovery Month this September is to celebrate all that make the journey of recovery possible by embracing the 2021 theme, “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.”

Recovery Month spreads the message that people can and do recover every day. It also celebrates individuals who have achieved long-term recovery, acknowledges those who work in the prevention, treatment and recovery services field, and encourages individuals in need to seek help. Recovery Month serves as an opportunity to educate New Mexicans about substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders, the effectiveness of treatment and recovery services, and makes clear that recovery is possible.

“It is critical that people experiencing mental health and substance use disorders receive the support they need. The reality is that behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover,” said Behavioral Health Services Division Director Neal A. Bowen, PhD.

As a part of Recovery Month celebrations are scheduled across the state. The list of events can be found at: https://nmcrisisline.com/resources/wellness/

Mental health programs and resources can be found at: https://nmcrisisline.com/resources/wellness/

If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to get help today 1-800-273-8255.

If you or a loved one are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Need help finding treatment? Call (833) 275-2043.

The Human Services department provides services and benefits to 1,034,042 New Mexicans through several programs including: the Medicaid Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Support Program and several Behavioral Health Services.

A copy of the Governor’s September Recovery Awareness Month Proclamation can be found at

https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/wp-content/uploads/081621-National-Recovery-Month-September-2021.pdf

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