Governor Sununu, NH DHHS Recognize September as Recovery Month

Concord, NH – In partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services (BDAS), Governor Chris Sununu has proclaimed September as Recovery Month, reaffirming the State’s commitment to a resilient and recovery-centered system of care that is accessible to all residents of New Hampshire who need support. Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) in New Hampshire will hold events across the State during the month of September to celebrate the efforts made by people in recovery from substance use disorder. 

“My administration has made it a priority from day one to build a system in New Hampshire that serves anyone struggling with substance use,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “The Doorways have helped tens of thousands of residents take the first step on the road to recovery. Recovery Community Organizations and recovery friendly workplaces help support people during their recovery and make a profound difference in their lives. I am proud to recognize the important role Recovery Community Organizations play in helping our friends and neighbors recover from substance misuse.”
“Recovery is not easy, and we recognize the people throughout New Hampshire who make decisions each day that help them move forward in their recovery journeys,” said DHHS Commissioner Lori Shibinette. “We are fortunate to have a strong system of Recovery Community Organizations that provides critical peer support services that can make a difference to people as they begin, maintain and enhance their recoveries.”

New Hampshire RCOs are peer-led agencies that offer multiple pathways to recovery, providing coaching, telephone support, support groups, family support programs, and other activities chosen by participants. Many centers specialize in services that include harm reduction, system navigation, and advocacy. Peer Recovery Support Services (PRSS) delivered through the RCOs help people engage in and remain connected with the recovery process. These services are peer-designed and delivered by individuals who are in recovery themselves and who are trained to help others to be successful in their own recoveries.

In a recent comprehensive evaluation of New Hampshire’s PRSS, several data points demonstrated the value of these services and determined that increased participation in a variety of PRSS activities was the most important factor associated with increasing recovery capital, which is defined as the total resources that a person has available to find and maintain their recovery. People who engaged in prosocial and advocacy activities, attended more meetings, and completed their recovery plan goals saw an increase in their recovery capital, leading to greater success in their recovery. 

For more information on recovery support services in New Hampshire, visit the Recovery Support Services page.