LANSING — Today, the Michigan House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 401, introduced by state Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn), to declare Sept. 26 as Recovery Day in Michigan.

“Few burdens in life are harder to carry than substance dependency,” said Rep. Hammoud. “We are proud to commemorate recovery day, and continue to make strides in working with the legislature, community, and organizations like the SAFE Substance Abuse Coalition to reduce substance dependency here in Michigan and across the country.”

National Recovery Day is a time of activities and educational events to support individuals and families dealing with mental and substance use disorders. In 2009, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported that overdoses had surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of unintentional death in the state. 

“Almost everyone knows someone that has been impacted by substance dependency,” said Rep. Hammoud. “Promoting recovery is a nonpartisan issue, and we stand together today to honor those who have successfully taken on that challenge, and those who are actively seeking to do so. We not only have a duty to help those individuals on their road to recovery, but to actively dispel myths and stigmas surrounding substance dependency and create positive social change.”

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