Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring September 2026 as National Recovery Month in Rockville, Maryland
end
Department
Housing and Community Development
Recommendation
Staff recommend Mayor and Council read, approve, and present the proclamation to LaTonia Rich, CEO/Executive Director of Tree of Hope, and members of the Tree of Hope STEER TEAM and YOUTH TEAM cohorts.
Discussion
National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), which started in 1989, is observed every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery possible.
SAMHSA aims to increase public awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery. In the years since Recovery Month launched, SAMHSA has timed announcements of initiatives and grant funding during Recovery Month, while collaborating with private and public entities to celebrate individuals during their long-term recoveries.
What National Recovery Month Highlights
• Evidence-based treatment and recovery practices that help individuals heal.
• The strength of the recovery community, including individuals, families, and supporters.
• Service providers and organizations are dedicated to helping people achieve long-term recovery.
• Public awareness about mental health and addiction recovery.
National Recovery Month plays a key role in:
• Reducing stigma around addiction and mental health.
• Educating communities about treatment options and support systems.
• Celebrating recovery stories that show recovery is possible.
• Encouraging advocacy for better policies and resources.
LaTonia Rich, CEO/Executive Director of Tree of Hope, and members of the STEER Team and Youth Team will be on hand at the Mayor and Council meeting to receive the National Recovery Month Proclamation.
STEER
Montgomery County (MC), through its Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), has partnered with Stop, Triage, Engage, Educate and Rehabilitate (STEER) to work collaboratively with MC’s primary referral sources (Police Department, Emergency Departments, Emergency Medical Services and the Department of Correction/Rehabilitation) to provide MC residents with rapid response and linkage to treatment, coordination of services and Peer support to persons with substance mis-use and co-occurring disorders
STEER TEAM
Mohammed Ghalani - Mohammed@treeofhopeassn.com <mailto:Mohammed@treeofhopeassn.com>
Katrina Marshall - Katrina@treeofhopeassn.com <mailto:Katrina@treeofhopeassn.com>
Bianca Campbell - Bianca@treeofhopeassn.com <mailto:Bianca@treeofhopeassn.com>
Irving Mason - Irving@treeofhopeassn.com <mailto:Irving@treeofhopeassn.com>
YOUTH TEAM
Alex Cartegena - alex@treeofhopeassn.com <mailto:alex@treeofhopeassn.com>
Tyler Morton - Tyler@treeofhopeassn.com <mailto:Tyler@treeofhopeassn.com>
Kimberly Gaines - Kim@treeofhopeassn.comn.com <mailto:Kim@treeofhopeassn.comn.com>
Anny Padilla - Anny@treeofhopeassn.com <mailto:Anny@treeofhopeassn.com>
Michael Leonard - michael@treeofhopeassn.com <mailto:michael@treeofhopeassn.com>
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council proclaim this proclamation annually.