2016 -- H 8234

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LC006015

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

DECLARING MAY 19, 2016, TO BE "RECOVERY ADVOCACY DAY" IN RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Serpa, Fellela, Hearn, Marcello, and Costantino

     Date Introduced: May 19, 2016

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Addiction is a disease that many people suffer from on a daily basis.

Currently, 23 million people in the United States and 65,000 Rhode Islanders from all walks of

life are living in recovery from substance abuse disorder. In Rhode Island, 92,000 people are

battling substance use disorder and 257 people have tragically lost their lives due to opioid

overdose in 2015; and

     WHEREAS, According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Administration (SAMHSA), recovery is defined as being "a process of change through which

individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full

potential. Recovery is built on access to evidence-based clinical treatment and recovery support

services for all populations"; and

     WHEREAS, The recovery process differs from person to person and can occur through

the use of many different strategies. It can include the use of clinical treatment, the support of

friends, peers and faith-based communities, and through medication. The Substance Abuse and

Mental Health Administration believes that the recovery process often includes both growth and

setbacks, and given that setbacks are a regular occurrence in everyone's life, resilience is a crucial

part of recovery. Resilience, according to SAMHSA, "develops over time….and refers to an

individual's ability to cope with adversity and adapt to challenges or change"; and

     WHEREAS, Another critical aspect of the recovery process is the role played by Peer

Recovery Specialists (PRS). Peer Recovery Specialists help their peers pinpoint their goals for

recovery, assist them in their treatment, and develop effective coping strategies, and assist them

in advocating for themselves in order to gain access to needed services; and

     WHEREAS, While addiction is a disease many Rhode Islanders struggle with, let us

never lose sight of the fact that recovery is possible. Every day, thanks to the support of loved

ones, friends, peers, faith-based communities, and qualified professionals, people recover from

addiction and go on to lead quality lives with their families and friends in the workplace, and

within their communities; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the state of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby declares May 19, 2016, to be "Recovery Advocacy Day" in Rhode

Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to send

a duly certified copy of this resolution to Maria Montanaro, MSW, Director, Rhode Island

Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals.

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LC006015

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