Del Norte County Supervisors Proclaim September as Recovery Awareness Month

The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a proclamation Tuesday declaring September 2026 as Recovery Awareness Month, honoring the strength, resilience, and achievements of residents living in recovery. As Supervisor Darrin Short read the proclamation aloud, twenty participants from the County’s recovery program stood together, representing the growing number of individuals reclaiming their lives through treatment, support, and community connection.

Among them was Cassie, a powerful example of what recovery makes possible. After overcoming her addiction, Cassie graduated college with a bachelor’s degree and is now pursuing her master’s degree, driven by a commitment to give back to the community that supported her. She is one of many local residents demonstrating that recovery is not only real, but transformative — creating healthier families, stronger neighborhoods, and a more resilient Del Norte County.

National data reinforces this message of hope: 73 percent of adults who once struggled with alcohol or drug use now consider themselves in recovery. The Board emphasized that recovery is strengthened through evidence‑based treatment, family and peer support, stable housing, employment opportunities, and community acceptance — and that reducing stigma remains essential so people can seek help with dignity.

The proclamation highlights the urgency of continued action. Del Norte County continues to experience one of the highest rates of opioid‑related overdose deaths in California, underscoring the need for prevention, early intervention, treatment, and long‑term recovery supports. Last year, the County’s Behavioral Health Branch served 324 unique clients, connecting individuals with person‑centered treatment, peer support, harm‑reduction services, and pathways to stability.

The proclamation commends the County’s Behavioral Health Branch, Tribal partners, health care providers, families, peers, and individuals with lived experience for their ongoing work to prevent overdose, expand treatment access, and support recovery across Del Norte County.

With this action, the Board of Supervisors calls on the entire community to celebrate recovery, honor those lost to addiction, elevate the voices of people with lived experience, and strengthen access to prevention and treatment so that recovery is possible — and celebrated — throughout Del Norte County.