Proclamation
Whereas, nearly 2.9 million New Yorkers—representing one in six residents—struggle with drug, alcohol, or gambling addiction, mirroring a profound national crisis that impacts 48.4 million people; and
Whereas, recovery from addiction is neither an isolated endeavor nor a single program or service, but a continuum of care including the collective dedication of families, peers, providers, advocates, and allies—reinforcing that communal support is indispensable to individuals at all stages of their healing journey; and
Whereas, New York State has one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive networks of addiction care services, led by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), featuring approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment, and recovery programs serving over 730,000 individuals annually; and
Whereas, the network of services directed by OASAS extends beyond traditional clinical boundaries, integrating care into institutional and community settings, including primary health care environments, treatment courts, and correctional facilities; and
Whereas, providing resources for New York’s youth is of paramount importance, and is demonstrated by substantial state investments to establish three new young adult recovery residences and the significant expansion of specialized support services across 12 dedicated Recovery Community and Outreach Centers (RCOCs); and
Whereas, the State of New York is dramatically expanding the integration of peer support services into Opioid Intervention Courts, Transitional Safety Units, and Non-Medical Transportation initiatives while broadening these specialized programs to support families, young adults, and individuals experiencing gambling-related harms; and
Whereas, New York’s ongoing implementation of addiction care services directly engages faith leaders across the state to understand addiction as a chronic medical condition rather than a moral failing and to replace shame-based messaging with clear pathways to harm reduction; and
Whereas, we extend profound gratitude and appreciation to our dedicated recovery workers and volunteers, actively investing in their livelihood by establishing peer workforce scholarships and expanding professional development opportunities; and
Whereas, Recovery Month has been a national observance every September since 1989 and New York State’s theme for the month is "Celebrating Connections: Restoring Every Aspect of Life,” aspiring to elevate public awareness of prevention, treatment, and recovery, share triumphant personal stories to ignite a spark of hope in others, laud the contributions of treatment and service providers, and send a message that recovery in all its forms is possible;
Now, Therefore, I, Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim September 2026, as
Recovery Month
in the Empire State.
Given under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State
at the Capitol in the City of Albany this first day
of September in the year two thousand twenty-six.
Kathy Hochul, Governor
Secretary to the Governor
Karen Persichilli Keogh