2025 -- S 0369
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LC001220
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S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
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 SUBSTAN CE USE RECOVERY AWAR ENESS MONTH
IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND CALLING FOR THE END OF STIGMA AND
EMPOWERING RECOVERY THROUGH LANGUAGE IN RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By: Senator Jonathon Acosta
Date Introduced: February 25, 2025
Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
WHEREAS, Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a public health issue that affect 1
thousands of Rhode Islanders and their families each year; and 2
WHEREAS, Stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to individuals seeking 3
and accessing treatment and recovery support, often leading to negative health outcomes and 4
societal exclusion; and 5
WHEREAS, Language plays a powerful role in shaping public perceptions, attitudes, and 6
beliefs about individuals with SUDs, with evidence showing that person-first, non-stigmatizing 7
language fosters dignity, compassion, and understanding; and 8
WHEREAS, The American Medical Association, the World Health Organization, and 9
other leading health organizations advocate for replacing stigmatizing terms such as "addict," 10
"abuser," and "clean" with person-first language such as "person with a substance use disorder" 11
and "in recovery"; and 12
WHEREAS, Communities, health professionals, and policymakers must work 13
collaboratively to create an environment where individuals with SUDs are treated with respect 14
and supported in their recovery journey; and 15
WHEREAS, Increasing public awareness of the impact of stigma and promoting the 16
adoption of respectful and inclusive language can contribute to improved outcomes for 17
individuals with SUDs and their families; and 18
WHEREAS, The statewide recovery advocacy workgroup represents individuals with 19
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lived experience, recovery advocates, and key stakeholders and serves as an essential voice for 1
ensuring that policies are aligned with best practices and community needs; now, therefore be it 2
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes the urgent 3
need to address stigma around substance use disorders and urges state agencies, healthcare 4
providers, educators, employers, media outlets, and community organizations to adopt person-5
first, non-stigmatizing language in their practices, communications, and policies; and be it further 6
RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby supports statewide educational campaigns to raise 7
awareness of the role of stigma in perpetuating barriers to treatment and recovery, emphasizing 8
the power of inclusive language and the importance of evidence-based approaches to SUDs; and 9
be it further 10
RESOLVED, That all Rhode Island laws, regulations, and official publications be 11
reviewed and revised, as necessary, to ensure the use of non-stigmatizing language when 12
referring to individuals with SUDs; and be it further 13
RESOLVED, That all future bills and policies related to substance use disorders be 14
developed in consultation with the statewide recovery advocacy workgroup to ensure that the 15
voices of those with lived experience are incorporated, and the resulting measures reflect the best 16
practices for reducing stigma and promoting recovery; and be it further 17
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes September 18
as Substance Use Recovery Awareness Month in the State of Rhode Island in order to highlight 19
the importance of breaking down stigma, celebrating recovery, and promoting mental health and 20
wellness across the state; and be it further 21
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 22
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Governor of the State of Rhode Island, 23
Daniel J. McKee, the Rhode Island Department of Health, and the Rhode Island Department of 24
Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH). 25
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LC001220
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