Gov. Quinn proclaims September as 'Recovery Month' in Illinois

Special events planned in Springfield and Chicago

[September 04, 2013]  CHICAGO -- Gov. Pat Quinn proclaimed September as "Recovery Month" in the state of Illinois to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders. Recovery Month celebrates the continued success of many people in Illinois who have achieved recovery from alcohol and substance addiction and mental illness.

"I want to commend those who are in recovery and urge those who need assistance to seek it out. Treatment is effective, and people can and do recover," said Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Michelle R.B. Saddler. "I also want to recognize the tremendous dedication of prevention, treatment and recovery support providers across the state."

This year's theme, "Join the Voices for Recovery: Together on Pathways to Wellness," highlights the many ways people can prevent behavioral health issues, seek treatment and sustain recovery successfully. Last year, IDHS funded substance abuse treatment services for nearly 80,000 people and mental health services for approximately 140,000 people in Illinois.

IDHS will celebrate Recovery Month with a softball game and ice cream social in Springfield. The free event will be on Sept. 11 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Cy Young Field, 901 E. Southwind Road.

In addition, IDHS and the Chicago Department of Public Health are co-sponsoring the Recovery Walk in Chicago on Sept. 21 at Washington Park. IDHS will offer rapid HIV testing and will have trained counselors on hand at the event.

For more information about Recovery Month, visit www.recoverymonth.gov.

[Text from Illinois Department of Human Services file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]