Honoring National Recovery Month Act

To amend title V of the Public Health Service Act. 1. Short title; findings (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Honoring National Recovery Month Act (b) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) National Recovery Month is an annual observance in the United States to celebrate individuals who are in recovery from a substance use disorder or mental illness, and to educate the public and combat stigma with respect to substance use disorders and mental illnesses. (2) 2023 is the 34th observance of National Recovery Month. (3) Over 81,000 people died from drug overdoses during the period beginning in July 2019 and ending in June 2020, and 47,000 people died from suicide in 2019 in the United States. (4) Fatal overdoses in the United States increased from 2018 to 2019, and overdoses have increased since the onset of the COVID–19 pandemic. (5) A June 2020 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 41 percent of adults are experiencing an adverse mental health or behavioral health condition, including 31 percent who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, 11 percent who are seriously considering suicide, and 13 percent who are starting or increasing their substance use to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID–19. 2. National Recovery Month activities Part D of title V of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 290dd et seq. 552A. National Recovery Month activities (a) In general The Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, shall carry out activities, or enter into an agreement with a national organization with experience coordinating activities in recognition of National Recovery Month to carry out activities— (1) to develop toolkits, public service announcements, webinars, graphics, and other communication materials with respect to National Recovery Month; (2) to develop, maintain, and update appropriate websites with respect to National Recovery Month; (3) to develop and distribute best practices for community engagement with respect to National Recovery Month; and (4) to celebrate individuals in recovery from substance use disorders or mental illness, educate the public on treatment of and recovery from substance use disorders or mental illness, combat stigma pertaining to substance use disorders or mental illness, and engage stakeholders in their participation in such activities. (b) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028. .

Summary: Honoring National Recovery Month Act This bill provides statutory authority for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop communication materials, distribute best practices, and carry out other activities in recognition of National Recovery Month. SAMHSA may undertake these activities or enter into an agreement with a national organization to do so. National Recovery Month is an annual observance to celebrate individuals who are in recovery from a substance use disorder or mental illness, educate the public, and combat stigma.