— Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Anne Blankenship’ Shelly Zabel of Community and Family Resources, looks on Tuesday morning as members of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors sign the proclamation declaring September 2021 as National Recovery Month. Pictured are, from the left, Supervisor Jerry Kloberdanz, Zabel, Supervisor Rick Young and Chairman Dan Campidilli.

The Hamilton County Board of Supervisors signed a proclamation Tuesday morning, declaring September as National Recovery Month.

Shelly Zabel , a grant and contract manager with Community and Family Resources was on hand to witness the signing. Zabel explained the importance of the recognition.

“Every September, we take the time to recognize that there are many people in recovery from substance use disorder and mental health issues,” she said. “It’s a time to celebrate those people and their successes. We do that each year with a proclamation.”

The proclamation pointed out the treatment of substance use disorders and mental health issues is essential to achieving healthy lives both physically and emotionally.

“We must encourage relatives and friends of people with mental health and substance abuse disorders to implement preventative measures to recognize the signs of a problem and guide those in need to appropriate treatment and recovery support and services,” said Chairman Dan Campidilli as he read the proclamation.

“We must strive to offer all persons the same opportunities for treatment and wellness,” he said.

The proclamation also said that one in five adults in the U.S. will experience a mental health disorder in any given year, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic had created additional challenges, with substance use showing gains throughout the nation.

According to the website getsmartaboutdrugs.gov, the theme for the 2021 National Recovery Month is ” Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.”