Senate 29

SENATE RESOLUTION 29

(By Senators Deeds, Grady, and Morris)

[Introduced February 5, 2026]

Designating February 6, 2026, as Recovery Advocacy Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, An epidemic of substance use disorder, other addictions, and related, co-occurring disorders, continues to take an enormous toll on West Virginians in communities across the State; and

Whereas, Too many families have lost their children, siblings, parents, and friends to substance misuse and overdose; and

Whereas, Each loss serves as a painful call to action; and 

Whereas, Some areas of the state, especially many rural communities, continue to lack access to the full disposal of services provided in the Continuum of Care; and   

Whereas, With adequate support and resources, attaining and sustaining recovery is possible, and makes the state stronger, when every individual is provided the opportunity to live a long, successful, and healthy life; and

Whereas, Dedicated service providers practice in communities across the state and possess the requisite professional training and necessary life experiences to help prevent addiction and to work closely with those individuals suffering from it; and

Whereas, Locating safe, supportive, reliable housing, which is crucial for many individuals in early recovery to obtain long-term employment and become productive members of society, remains a challenge; and

Whereas, Limitations on available resources presents a greater barrier, but a more substantial need, for individuals currently incarcerated (especially the high percentage with co-occurring disorders); and

Whereas, Thousands of individual West Virginians working with the dedicated workforce of trained, certified mental health professionals including counselors, therapists, peers, and other professionals have achieved and remain in recovery from their addiction or disorder; and

Whereas, This trained workforce provides services through multiple organizations, supporting the multiple pathways to recovery that are available to support individuals and their families at every step of their recovery journey; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 6, 2026, as Recovery Advocacy Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals, the West Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, the West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences, the West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Association, and the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals.