R 245
2016 -- H 8234
Enacted 05/19/2016

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

     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 timeā€¦.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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