PROCLAMATION

•	Substance abuse and co-occurring mental disorders and co-existing physical illnesses are major public health problems that affect millions of Americans of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds and in all communities, and have huge medical, societal, and economic costs.
•	People with co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders can and do recover, and people with co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders deserve access to the services they need to recover.
•	Thousands of health care providers have dedicated their lives to the recovery process and to the education of the public about alcoholism, drug dependence, co-occurring disorders, and treatment issues.
•	Acknowledging September 2004 as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month offers those involved in substance abuse treatment an opportunity to educate the public, community organizations, public officials, and civic leaders about the effectiveness of treatment, both societal and financial.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council and Mayor, on behalf of the citizens of Ashland, hereby proclaim September 2004 as

NATIONAL ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH

And encourage all citizens to support this year's theme, "Join the Voices for Recovery . . . Now" by supporting men, women and youth who are in drug and alcohol addiction treatment and recovery, and their families.

Dated this 7th day of September, 2004.

Alan DeBoer, Mayor
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder