A New Year, A New Hope: Celebrating the First National Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month

As we step into 2025, a new opportunity to foster awareness and action in the fight against Substance Use Disorder (SUD) has emerged. This January marks a historic milestone—the first-ever National Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, designated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). At AAEW, we are proud to stand in alignment with SAMHSA’s vision of raising awareness, removing barriers, and ensuring that recovery is a reality for everyone.

Why National SUD Treatment Month Matters

Substance Use Disorder continues to impact countless lives across the country. It’s not just an individual struggle; it’s a challenge that affects families, communities, and society as a whole. SAMHSA’s initiative highlights a critical truth: treatment works, recovery is real, and together, we can make a difference.

By dedicating January to SUD treatment awareness, SAMHSA aims to:

• Break the stigma surrounding SUD, encouraging more individuals to seek help.

• Highlight the accessibility and affordability of treatment options.

• Celebrate recovery stories that inspire hope and resilience.

• Engage communities in creating supportive environments for recovery.

AAEW: A Faith-Driven Partner in Recovery

At AAEW, our mission aligns closely with these goals. As a collaborative workgroup, we are committed to ensuring the African American community has access to the tools, resources, and support necessary for recovery. Through our network of faith partners, social service agencies, and community champions, we strive to:

• Raise Awareness: Hosting educational workshops, community conversations, and outreach events to educate about SUD and the importance of treatment.

• Remove Barriers: Addressing systemic and cultural obstacles that prevent individuals from seeking help.

• Build Bridges: Connecting clients to accessible and affordable treatment programs through trusted partners.

• Celebrate Recovery: Highlighting success stories that inspire hope and demonstrate the power of resilience and community support.

What We’re Doing This Month

In honor of National SUD Treatment Month, AAEW is:

• Amplifying Awareness: Through social media campaigns, community outreach, and church partnerships, we’re spreading SAMHSA’s message that treatment works and recovery is possible.

• Partnering for Impact: Collaborating with local agencies like Talbert House and Addiction Services Council to provide education, Narcan training, and harm reduction resources.

• Engaging Faith Leaders: Empowering pastors and congregants to support recovery efforts through our Faith Recovery Communities initiative.

• Tracking Progress: Strengthening our data collection processes to measure the impact of our outreach and ensure accountability to our funders and community.

How You Can Get Involved

We invite everyone to join us in making National Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month a success. Here’s how you can help:

• Spread the Word: Share information about SUD treatment and recovery on social media, in newsletters, and with your networks.

• Partner with Us: Collaborate with AAEW to bring resources and education to your community.

• Support the Mission: Consider making a donation to AAEW or volunteering at one of our upcoming events.

• Celebrate Recovery: Highlight stories of hope and resilience within your organization or congregation.

A Message of Hope

At AAEW, we believe that recovery is not just a possibility but a promise for those who seek it. By working together—as individuals, organizations, and communities—we can ensure that treatment is available, accessible, and affordable for everyone. This January, let’s honor National SUD Treatment Month by continuing to break barriers, build bridges, and celebrate recovery.

For more information about AAEW and how we’re making a difference, visit our website or contact us at info@hcaaew.com. Let’s make 2025 a year of hope, healing, and positive change.