September has been designated as National Recovery Month in Illinois by Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Throughout the month, IDHS will be raising awareness of recovery from substance use and mental health conditions.

IDHS is spearheading numerous initiatives throughout the month, by collaborating with community partners to host events such as trainings, speaking engagements, memorials, and online activities. IDHS will also join the campaign to light the Chicago skyline in purple from September 3-9, symbolizing recovery and hope for those affected by these conditions.

On social media, IDHS is encouraging the use of the hashtag #RecoveryBelongsIL to focus attention on normalizing recovery.

These events are critical to addressing and removing the stigma associated with recovery and encouraging public support. It is also a time to celebrate people who are in recovery as a beacon of hope for those still struggling with substance use and mental health conditions. ​ ​ 

Recovery Month was started in September of 1989 to celebrate the recovery community and highlight the importance of evidence-based treatment and recovery practices.