2025 -- S 0369

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LC001220

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS SUBSTANCE USE RECOVERY AWARENESS MONTH

IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND CALLING FOR THE END OF STIGMA AND

EMPOWERING RECOVERY THROUGH LANGUAGE IN RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Acosta, Ujifusa, Felag, Rogers, Paolino, LaMountain, Urso,
Appollonio, Lawson, and Bell

     Date Introduced: February 25, 2025

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a public health issue that affect

thousands of Rhode Islanders and their families each year; and

     WHEREAS, Stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to individuals seeking

and accessing treatment and recovery support, often leading to negative health outcomes and

societal exclusion; and

     WHEREAS, Language plays a powerful role in shaping public perceptions, attitudes, and

beliefs about individuals with SUDs, with evidence showing that person-first, non-stigmatizing

language fosters dignity, compassion, and understanding; and

     WHEREAS, The American Medical Association, the World Health Organization, and

other leading health organizations advocate for replacing stigmatizing terms such as "addict,"

"abuser," and "clean" with person-first language such as "person with a substance use disorder"

and "in recovery"; and

     WHEREAS, Communities, health professionals, and policymakers must work

collaboratively to create an environment where individuals with SUDs are treated with respect

and supported in their recovery journey; and

     WHEREAS, Increasing public awareness of the impact of stigma and promoting the

adoption of respectful and inclusive language can contribute to improved outcomes for

individuals with SUDs and their families; and

     WHEREAS, The statewide recovery advocacy workgroup represents individuals with

lived experience, recovery advocates, and key stakeholders and serves as an essential voice for

ensuring that policies are aligned with best practices and community needs; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes the urgent

need to address stigma around substance use disorders and urges state agencies, healthcare

providers, educators, employers, media outlets, and community organizations to adopt person-

first, non-stigmatizing language in their practices, communications, and policies; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby supports statewide educational campaigns to raise

awareness of the role of stigma in perpetuating barriers to treatment and recovery, emphasizing

the power of inclusive language and the importance of evidence-based approaches to SUDs; and

be it further

     RESOLVED, That all Rhode Island laws, regulations, and official publications be

reviewed and revised, as necessary, to ensure the use of non-stigmatizing language when

referring to individuals with SUDs; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That all future bills and policies related to substance use disorders be

developed in consultation with the statewide recovery advocacy workgroup to ensure that the

voices of those with lived experience are incorporated, and the resulting measures reflect the best

practices for reducing stigma and promoting recovery; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes September

as Substance Use Recovery Awareness Month in the State of Rhode Island in order to highlight

the importance of breaking down stigma, celebrating recovery, and promoting mental health and

wellness across the state; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Governor of the State of Rhode Island,

Daniel J. McKee, the Rhode Island Department of Health, and the Rhode Island Department of

Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH).

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LC001220

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