State Rep. Tarik Khan, others introduce bipartisan resolution marking September 2023 as ‘National Recovery Month’
Rep. Tarik Khan September 7, 2023 | 11:15 AM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 7 – State Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., and several other state legislators on Wednesday circulated a bipartisan co-sponsorship memo that would designate September 2023 as National Recovery Month in the commonwealth if passed by the state House.
“As a nurse, I’ve seen the impact of substance use on persons in our community. Too often, individuals struggle with substance use because of the failures of our healthcare system, including unscrupulous drug companies, inadequate policies and regulations,” Khan said. “I’m proud to have helped lead this bipartisan legislation to recognize that recovery is possible and highlight the importance of supporting recovery efforts in our commonwealth.”
Rep. Jamie Flick, R-Lycoming/Union, a prime co-sponsor, echoed Khan’s remarks.
“Recovery is possible. Treatment works. There are programs and people in place to help every person struggling with addiction, and resources for families of addiction. I cannot stress enough that every person – regardless of how long they’ve been struggling with addiction – is deserving of recovery,” Flick said.
Another co-prime sponsor, Rep. Mike Cabell, R-Luzerne, highlighted the horrors of substance use disorder, adding that this is an area of major concern for legislators on both sides of the aisle.
“National Recovery Month holds special meaning for me due to my business background in running treatment centers and helping people overcome addiction. That’s why I was happy to work with my colleagues across the aisle to be a co-prime sponsor on this important resolution that is a true bipartisan concern,” Cabell said. “Too many Pennsylvanians have lost their lives and too many families have been hurt by the horrors of substance use disorder. We must do whatever we can do to raise awareness and provide support to those in recovery.”
By adopting this resolution, Khan said, lawmakers would be recommitting their support to the prevention, treatment and recovery from substance used disorders in Pennsylvania.
“Recovery is not a concept, and it is not beyond reach,” Flick added. “It is not saved for a select few. It is not a reward for those who are ‘less’ addicted. It is here and now for all who are ready to recover from addiction.”
Additional prime co-sponsors include state Reps. Jose Giral and Steven Kinsey, both D-Phila., and Mark Rozzi, D-Berks.