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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing September 2017 as National Recovery Month in Solano County (Supervisor Hannigan)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends the Board adopt and present a resolution recognizing September 2017 as National Recovery Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Now in its 28th year, National Recovery Month is sponsored through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Every September, the nation highlights the achievements of individuals who have reclaimed their lives in long-term recovery and honors the treatment and service providers who support recovery.
National Recovery Month also promotes the message that recovery in all its methods and practices is possible and encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective prevention, treatment and recovery services for those in need. Substance use and mental illnesses are major public health concerns affecting people of every age, race, and ethnic background.
National data trends tell us that:
• Illicit drug use has been increasing with an estimated 24.6 million Americans aged 12 or older (9.4% of U.S. population) having used an illicit drug in the past month.
• Illicit drug use is starting at an early age with over half (54.1%) of new users are under 18 years of age.
• Very few people receive treatment with an estimated 8.1% of the adult population in 2014 having a diagnosable substance or alcohol use disorder yet only 10% receiving any form of treatment.
• Substance use and mental health conditions often occur simultaneously: Among those who have experienced a substance use disorder, 50.5% (10.2 million adults) also had a co-occurring mental illness.
• Mental Health is more common than commonly realized with approximately 1 in 5 adults (43.8 million) or 18.5% experiencing mental illness in a given year.
• 1 in 25 adults (9.8 million) or 4.0% experience a serious mental illness like schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder in a given year and 18.1% experience an anxiety disorder such as posttraumatic stress disorder.
• An estimated 46% of homeless adults live with severe mental illness and/or substance use disorders.
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. and more than 90% of children who die by suicide have a mental health condition.
National trends have been showing a steady increase in related costs of mental illness and substance use. The United States spent an estimated $201 billion on mental disorders like anxiety and depression in 2013 making it the costliest medical condition in the country after heart conditions and cancer. Serious mental illnesses result in approximately $193 billion in lost earnings per year. The abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs has a loss of more than $740 billion annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and health care.
This year’s theme “Join the Voices for Recovery: Strengthen Families and Community” highlights the value of family and community support in educating, mentoring, and helping others. The theme invites individuals in recovery, their friends and families, to be catalysts and active change agents in communities and in civic and advocacy engagements. It encourages our community to be aware of stigma associated with substance use and mental illnesses and helps people to start conversations about the prevention, treatment, and recovery from behavioral health problems. Awareness spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, that treatment is effective, and that people can and do recover to lead useful, productive lives.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no additional financial impact to the County General Fund.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt this resolution. This is not recommended because this is an opportunity to positively impact our county through the increased awareness of a public health concern and treatment options. Additionally, this resolution acknowledges those who provide services that make recovery a reality, those who are working toward recovery, and those who have reclaimed their lives and are living healthy lives in long term recovery.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Health and Social Services Behavioral Health Division is working with their community partners, advisory boards, and the Solano Prevention and Recovery Alliance to promote National Recovery Month.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION