Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 169 / Friday, September 3, 2021 / Presidential Documents 49897 

Proclamation 10246 of August 31, 2021 

National Recovery Month, 2021 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

The COVID–19 pandemic has taken an enormous toll on the lives of the 

American people, especially those struggling with substance use disorder. 

While many have continued on their path towards recovery, even while 

facing the additional physical, emotional, and economic hardships brought 

about by the pandemic, others have struggled. During National Recovery 

Month, we celebrate the millions of Americans who have achieved recovery 

and reaffirm our commitment to helping more Americans overcome substance 

use disorder and reach recovery. We also support those who are still struggling to achieve recovery and dedicate ourselves to overcoming these challenges together. 

This year’s theme, ‘‘Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, 

Every Community,’’ emphasizes that recovery is possible for all Americans. 

My Administration honors the many pathways to recovery and will support 

individuals and their families at every step along their journey, in whatever 

form it takes. Everyone can support and encourage those working toward 

recovery. 

The work ahead includes making treatment and recovery support services 

accessible to all Americans. My American Rescue Plan delivered nearly 

$4 billion to strengthen and expand mental health and substance use disorder 

services. My Administration will also continue to work to expand employment opportunities for people in recovery and foster the development of 

recovery-ready workplace policies and cultures. Helping those in recovery 

to attain economic opportunity and mobility will not only improve their 

well-being but also benefit our Nation as a whole. These investments will 

lay the foundation upon which more Americans—of all backgrounds and 

in every community—can build and maintain long-term recovery. 

While opportunities for recovery should be available for everyone, those 

with substance use disorders in racially-diverse, Tribal, rural, and other 

underserved communities often lack access to the support services that 

they need to receive treatment and sustain their recovery. Research also 

shows that a treatment gap lingers between people of color and their white 

neighbors. People of color not only have less access to support services 

for addiction but are also subject to harsher penalties when addiction leads 

to interaction with the criminal justice system. To address this, my Administration launched a Government-wide approach to advancing equity, including 

in our public health and criminal justice approaches to drug policy. 

When we make the appropriate support and service systems available to 

everyone and embrace those seeking to rejoin and contribute to our communities, we put sustained recovery within reach of more people. When we 

welcome Americans in recovery into our schools, homes, and workplaces 

with open arms, our Nation becomes stronger, healthier, and more inclusive. 

During National Recovery Month, we also honor and thank those who have 

helped our Nation heal and build back better. In the face of unprecedented 

challenges this past year, our Nation’s health care providers have delivered 

essential care and hope to individuals, families, and communities in need. 

On the frontlines of the addiction epidemic, they have ensured our Nation’s 


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49898 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 169 / Friday, September 3, 2021 / Presidential Documents 

system of care remains intact, facilitating treatment and recovery. As always, 

we celebrate the resilience and courage of the recovery community, which 

serves as a reminder that recovery is possible for everyone. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2021 

as National Recovery Month. I call upon all citizens, government agencies, 

private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other groups to take action 

to promote recovery and improve the health of our Nation. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day 

of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortysixth. 

[FR Doc. 2021–19327 

Filed 9–2–21; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F1–P 


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