NC Governor Roy Cooper Proclaims September as Recovery Month
Statewide Organization Talk It Out NC Encourages Families to Use this Month to Start the Conversation
RALEIGH, N.C. (September 20, 2019) – In North Carolina, one person dies every week because of underage drinking. The problem costs our state more than $1 billion in medical care, work loss, and pain and suffering. This September, Governor Cooper released a proclamation, announcing the observance of Recovery Month, calling on all North Carolinians to spread awareness of alcohol misuse and help more people achieve and sustain long-term recovery.
During September’s National Recovery Month, Talk It Out NC, a state-sponsored initiative to reduce underage drinking and raise awareness of the problem, encourages families to Start the Conversation on alcohol misuse before the temptation to drink turns to tragedy. Local Talk It Out NC ambassadors based throughout North Carolina are ready and able to further the goals of the campaign through local outreach events, media speaking opportunities, and collaborative initiatives with participating community partners.
“National Recovery Month falls at the beginning of the school year making it a great opportunity for parents to start the conversation about underage drinking,” says Deputy Director of Education and Outreach for Talk It Out Jim Van Hecke.“Youth need to know they can talk with their parents about alcohol.”
Talk It Out has developed a Pledge Program to provide parents steps and resources to talk with their child about alcohol. By signing the pledge, youth promise not to drink underage and parents vow to pick up their children with no questions asked if they’re in situations where kids are drinking. Talk It Out is extending this program to include Coaches and Athletes. Talk It Out is partnering with athletic directors and coaches across North Carolina to encourage them to Take the Pledge with their student athletes.
“It’s important to understand how prevention is a critical piece of the recovery spectrum when talking about substance misuse,” emphasizes Van Hecke. “And we believe the pledge program is an effective way to start the conversation.”
National Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
There are numerous Recovery Month events scheduled in communities across North Carolina. Click here to find out about specific events geared toward helping recovery efforts. Click here to learn more about National Recovery Month and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
