Main Menu | Table of Contents Appendix B National Press Release September 1, 2002 Attention: News, Talk Show Hosts & Health Reporters Millions dependent on, or addicted to drugs need Help but are not receiving treatment National Substance Abuse Recovery Month (September) to Feature community forums and events around the nation Interviews Available with Charles G. Curie, Administrator, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Dr. H. Westley Clark, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) Interview windows are available on September 3 thru September 27. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment is sponsoring National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month this September. This month-long observance unites public and private sector partner organizations nationwide in an effort to highlight the societal benefits, importance, and effectiveness of drug and alcohol treatment as a public heath service. In addition, the observance aims to reduce the stigma associated with substance abuse treatment. Recovery Month also celebrates people in recovery and those who serve them. This September will mark the 13th Anniversary of Recovery Month. "This year's theme, 'Join the Voices of Recovery: A Call to Action,' is intended to focus the Nation's attention on responding to Americans who seriously need substance abuse treatment," said SAMHSA Administrator Charles G. Curie. CSAT Director H. Westley Clark, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., added, "According to SAMHSA's National Household Survey on Drug Abuse from the year 2000, there are 14.5 million people in the United States who suffer from abuse or dependence on drugs. Millions of these people who need help do not receive treatment." CSAT will further support local outreach efforts by sponsoring Community Forums in 31 host cities including: Albuquerque, Anchorage, Atlanta, Baltimore, Billings, Birmingham, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Honolulu, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan, PR, Seattle, Sioux Falls, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, and Yuma and examine key treatment and recovery-related issues, define specific objectives and action steps, and look for solutions to broaden and support individual access to treatment. The Forums will examine key treatment and recovery-related issues, define specific objectives and action steps, and look for solutions to broaden and support individual access to treatment. Main Menu | Table of Contents