OASAS Commissioner Urges New Yorkers to Rally for Recovery

ALBANY, NY (09/01/2009)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today announced the state's Recovery Month activities, inviting New Yorkers to join an anticipated 10,000 recovery supporters at the Sept. 12 Recovery Rally at the Brooklyn Bridge.

"Recovery Month celebrates the commitment and accomplishments of those individuals who have regained their life from addiction," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "By celebrating their recovery this month, we can tell the 2.5 million New Yorkers who are dealing with the chronic brain disease of drug, alcohol or gambling addiction that there is hope, there is help and recovery is possible."

Joining with leaders across the nation, Governor David A. Paterson proclaimed September Recovery Month in New York.

The theme for Recovery month in New York this year is Pathways to Recovery, recognizing the many unique paths to recovery. Many individuals enter recovery through treatment, some with the support of mutual assistance groups, and others may seek recovery through medication-assisted treatment or with the guidance of their faith organization. Whatever the pathway or story is, the strength and perseverance of each and every individual is testament to the power and possibility of recovery.

Events across New York, including the A&E Television Network Recovery Rally at the Brooklyn Bridge on Sept. 12, will highlight the countless number of New Yorkers who are now in recovery from addiction. The Brooklyn Rally, which already has 9,000 registrants, is drawing recovery supporters from across the nation, including legendary entertainer Smokey Robinson, who will perform a free concert at Cadman Plaza.

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo said, "No matter what an individual's pathway to recovery is, no matter what their story teaches us, we know that those in recovery from addiction are dedicated to a better life for themselves and their families. There are thousands of inspirational stories of recovery in New York that convey healing, gratitude, honesty, strength and many more that are life- changing."

OASAS will also be hosting a Pathways to Recovery Forum on Sept. 11 at the John Jay College in Manhattan for individuals in recovery, family members, supporters and advocates to explore and learn about various pathways to recovery. At that event, Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo will announce this year's 12 recovery spotlight stories for the Your Story Matters campaign, which highlights stories of recovery to inspire hope in those struggling with addiction. Recovery stories can be read and submitted online at www.iamrecovery.com.

Highlights of recovery month activities are below:

2009 Recovery Month Highlights

9/8-9/30 Sixth Annual New York State Recovery Fine Arts Festival: The festival showcases the benefits and achievements of recovery through artistic expression. Submitted artwork will be on display during the month of September at the Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY.

9/11-9/13 Recovery Weekend: Faith-based institutions and community organizations across the state will sponsor recovery awareness events such as a cookout, concert, community walk/run or worship service during this weekend or some other time within Recovery Month.

9/11 Pathways to Recovery Forum: OASAS is convening a forum for individuals in recovery, family members, supporters and advocates to explore and learn about various pathways to recovery. The Forum will feature speakers who represent different pathways to recovery, including treatment, medication-assisted, family and friends, harm reduction, drug court and faith-based. The Forum will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at John Jay College in New York City. Those interested in attending should pre-register.

9/12 Second Annual Recovery Rally: Ten thousand participants are expected to gather for this free public event to celebrate recovery from addiction. The Rally starts at Foley Square in Manhattan and includes the walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to Cadman Plaza where special musical guest Smokey Robinson will perform.

9/22 Addictions Professionals Day: Sept. 22 was proclaimed by Governor Paterson as Addictions Professionals Day in New York in honor of the thousands of professionals in the addictions services workforce. On this day, we celebrate the outstanding individuals for their outstanding work in our field and are helping to make this a Profession of Choice. OASAS will honor addiction professionals nominated by their peers as leaders in our field.

New York supports recovery services in a number of ways, including the recent awarding of $510,000 in funding for three Recovery Community Centers.

OASAS will release a Request for Proposals in September to establish a contract with a not-for-profit organization in New York to develop and organize a recovery advocacy movement. The recipient will be required to establish a plan to partner with local recovery and community organizations across the state, promote the availability and diversity of community-based recovery support services, and develop an effective means of communicating with the recovering community.

OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services systems dedicated to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, with more than 1,550 programs serving over 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day.

Addiction is a chronic disease and New Yorkers need to know that help and hope is available. Individuals can get help by calling the toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day a week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY. For more information, visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.

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