House concurrent resolution designating February 2026 as Recovery Awareness Month in Vermont

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Daisy Berbeco and 1 co-sponsor

Designates February 2026 as Recovery Awareness Month in Vermont to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote recovery resources, education, and collaboration.

Adopted pursuant to Joint Rule 16b

Summary of Bill: HCR 203 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and Intent

Designates February 2026 as Recovery Awareness Month in Vermont.

Aims to raise public awareness about addiction recovery, reduce stigma, and recognize individuals and organizations supporting recovery efforts.

Key Provisions

Declares February 2026 as Recovery Awareness Month in Vermont.

Encourages statewide recognition and participation by public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Encourages education, outreach, and events to highlight recovery services, resources, and success stories.

Recognizes the importance of treatment, prevention, recovery support services, and peer-led initiatives.

Invites state agencies, communities, workplaces, schools, and organizations to observe and promote recovery awareness activities during February 2026.

Who/What Is Affected

The designation applies statewide across Vermont.

Affects state government agencies, local governments, schools, employers, healthcare providers, recovery organizations, and community groups by encouraging collaboration and events in February 2026.

The bill does not create new mandatory programs or funding by itself but signals intent to promote awareness and coordination.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Passed by the Vermont House on Consent Calendar and adopted on February 13, 2026, on concurrence with Senate passage.

The action history indicates coordination between the House and Senate under Joint Rule 16b (a process used for concurrent resolutions).

No funding authorization or new programs are specified in the concurrent resolution itself; the impact is primarily symbolic and communicative, with potential for future allied actions by state agencies and partners.

Potential Impact

Increases visibility of recovery resources and reduces stigma surrounding substance use disorders and recovery.

Encourages community engagement, education, and collaboration among stakeholders in February 2026.

May lead to planned events, proclamations, and informational campaigns at local and state levels.

Could lay groundwork for expanded recovery support efforts or grant/partnership opportunities initiated by nonstate actors during Recovery Awareness Month.

Notes for Context

Co-sponsors: Daisy Berbeco and Eric Maguire.

As a concurrent resolution, the measure expresses the sentiment of both chambers but does not directly mandate new laws or funding; its influence is through awareness, endorsement, and coordination.