September is National Recovery Month, a time for communities to come together to celebrate the triumphs of those in recovery and increase awareness about mental health and addiction. Established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 1989, the month is dedicated to promoting the message that recovery in all its forms is possible and attainable.
For IRETA, Recovery Month resonates deeply with our mission to improve addiction treatment through education and training. As a public health nonprofit, IRETA provides resources, consultation, and training to healthcare professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to offer the highest standards of care to those facing addiction. Our focus on promoting evidence-based practices emphasizes the importance of specialized training, education, and access to care as pivotal to supporting those on the path to recovery.
Recovery is more than just abstaining from substance use; it encompasses emotional well-being, reconnecting with family and community, and rebuilding one’s life. IRETA highlights this broader understanding of recovery, focusing on the systemic changes necessary to foster inclusive environments that support long-term healing. IRETA also acknowledges the important role that families, healthcare providers, and communities play in the recovery process.
IRETA is proud to be the financial sponsor of the Pittsburgh Recovery Walk, a community-wide celebration of individuals in recovery. This walk not only acknowledges the personal journeys of those recovering from substance use disorders but also raises awareness of the critical need for treatment access, support services, and the elimination of stigma. This year’s walk was held on Saturday, September 7. People from all over western Pennsylvania gathered in downtown Pittsburgh to celebrate recovery and the many pathways that can be taken to get there.
This month, IRETA is also hosting a webinar, “Professionals and Community Members as Recovery Allies,” to educate attendees about the importance of support systems and the crucial role that professionals and laypeople play in fostering recovery-friendly environments. These initiatives serve to educate the broader community and strengthen the collective response to addiction and mental health issues.
Recovery Month is also a time to recognize the progress that’s been made while acknowledging the work still needed to provide comprehensive and accessible treatment. For IRETA, it’s not only a time for celebration but also a call to action—to ensure that individuals facing addiction receive effective, empathetic, and evidence-based care, and to continue breaking down the stigmas associated with seeking help.
As we reflect on Recovery Month, IRETA remains steadfast in its mission: to help professionals, communities, and healthcare systems respond better to the ongoing addiction crisis. Through collaboration, advocacy, and a shared commitment to improving lives, Recovery Month inspires hope, healing, and progress for those in recovery and the communities that support them.
