[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 169 (Friday, September 3, 2021)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 49897-49898]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19327]




                        Presidential Documents 



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

[[Page 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

[[Page 49898]]

                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 forty-
                sixth.
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                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2021-19327
Filed 9-2-21; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F1-P