Governor JB Pritzker has issued two proclamations recognizing August 31st as International Overdose Awareness Day and September as National Recovery Month in Illinois. The observances honor lives lost to overdose, support people in recovery, and promote access to treatment and resources.
International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to reflect on individuals, families, and communities affected by overdoses and to raise awareness about prevention. National Recovery Month celebrates the strength of people recovering from substance use and mental health conditions while promoting evidence-based treatment.
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and community partners will host events across the state, including memorials, educational trainings, speaker panels, and digital campaigns. The Chicago skyline will glow purple September 2nd through the 9th in honor of National Recovery Month.
“Behavioral health challenges affect not only individuals but also their families and entire communities,” said Dr. David Albert, director of the IDHS Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. “But communities also hold the power to make a difference by raising awareness and breaking down stigma, to reduce overdose deaths and support lasting recovery.”
Illinois has reported progress in overdose prevention. In State Fiscal Year 2025, organizations enrolled in the state’s Drug Overdose Prevention Program trained 58,000 people, distributed over 302,000 naloxone kits, and reported at least 2,923 overdose reversals.
Support resources remain available statewide:
Illinois Helpline for Substance Use and Gambling Disorders: 1-833-234-6343 (2-FINDHELP), text “HELP” to 833234, or visit helplineIL.org.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 mental health crisis support.
Illinois Warm Line: 866-359-7953, Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing peer-based recovery and wellness support.
More information and recovery resources are available at IDHS.gov.
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