EATON — During a Wednesday, Sept. 6, meeting, Preble County Commissioners came together with Mental Health and Recovery Board officials to proclaim September “Recovery Month” in the county, encouraging recognition of this year’s theme — “Recovery is for everyone: every person, every family, every community.”

“We’re thankful for all of you that have chosen to come and spend your morning honoring these patients and the folks that you serve,” Commission President Adam Craft told those in attendance. “Thank you for your dedication and your commitment to the county. I mean, you’re unsung heroes, and I think every single one of us has had a family member or been directly affected in some way by these topics and we’re thankful for you all — the unsung heroes in the county — taking on the very underappreciated task of helping these folks, because a lot of us don’t know what to do. And I’m one of them.”

Commissioners went on to approve the resolution and read it into record.

The resolution noted: “Each person, family, and community should have access to appropriate mental health and substance use treatment as an essential part of overall wellness.

“And whereas all people have the fundamental and inherent value to be accepted, treated with respect, human dignity, and worth; and

“Whereas, individuals should have access to basic aspects of community life, including safe and appropriate housing; quality education; economic advancement prospects; opportunities to benefit from and contribute to material, cultural, and social progress; and

“Whereas, it is critical to educate our policymakers, friends and family members, health care providers, and businesses that substance use and mental health disorders are treatable, and that people should seek assistance for these conditions, with the same urgency as they would any other health condition; and

“Whereas, all Americans have the opportunity to access provisions within the Affordable Care Act and Mental Health Parity and Addictions Equity Act (MHPAEA), aimed to improve bio- psycho-social health while ensuring people will receive the care they need at a more reasonable cost; and

“Whereas, To help more people achieve long-term recovery, and learn how recovery positively benefits the Nation’s overall well-being, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and the Preble County Mental Health & Recovery Board invite all residents of Preble County to participate in National Recovery Month: Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community; therefore be it, resolved that the Board of Preble County Commissioners does hereby proclaim September 2023 as Recovery Month in Preble County, and calls upon the people of Preble County, to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies supporting this year’s theme, “Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.”

Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on X @emowenjr.