Honoring National Recovery Month
The following was sent to all members of the Boston University Community on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 from Dr. Judy Platt, MD, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.
Dear Members of our Boston University Community,
September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of those in recovery from substance use disorders and addiction, and to promote resources and support systems that make recovery possible.
Whether you are a member of our community who is in recovery, an ally, or supporting a loved one — we invite you to participate in BU’s observance of this important awareness month. Multiple events and learning opportunities are available to support the BU Recovery Community, reduce the stigma that often marks addiction, and foster a recovery-friendly campus that supports health and wellbeing for all.
Community initiatives open to students, faculty, and staff:
- Recovery Resources Tabling Events
Sept 17, 1-3 PM, BUMC L-Building lobby
Sept 23, 2-4 PM, Fitness & Recreation Center lobby
Connect with BU employees and students about campus and community recovery support resources, such as the BU Recovery Community.
- Commemorating Recovery Milestones
Online & ongoing
Recognize a BU community member’s recovery milestone by sending them a celebratory card and ribbon. Request a commemorative ribbon here.
- Overdose Prevention Training
Sept 24, 6-7 pm & Sept 30, 4-5 pm via Zoom
Help make our community safer for people who use opioids by learning how to respond to an overdose, including how to access and administer nasal naloxone. Register for the training here.
Learning opportunities
- Recovery Experiences at BU
In this online photography exhibit, BU students in recovery share their experiences to destigmatize substance use disorder and recovery, and show that people in recovery are everywhere – including BU.
- Words Matter
Created by the Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center, this guide presents terms to use and avoid when talking about addiction, recognizing the impact our language has on stigma and access to substance use treatment.
- Ways to be an Ally
As friends, family members, and colleagues, there are many actions we can take in our everyday lives to support people in recovery, destigmatize addiction, and normalize seeking help in the BU community.
- BU Research & Advocacy
Learn more about how BU faculty are using their research to advocate for collegiate recovery in Massachusetts and on Capitol Hill.
Resources for Substance Use & Recovery
- For the entire BU Community: The Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center has more than a dozen addiction-focused programs. Anyone can reach out to find addiction support tailored to their individual needs. The Grayken Center also has multiple events planned in recognition of National Recovery Month.
- For Students: BU has many resources to support students in long-term recovery or new in their recovery journey, including the BU Recovery Community and BU Recovery Meetings. Student Health Services provides mental health support for substance use and students can also complete anonymous online screening that provides personalized feedback.
- For Faculty & Staff: The Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (FSAO) offers free and confidential mental health support for personal, work-related, and family concerns including substance use. This includes assessments, short-term counseling, and referrals.
Thank you for being an active participant in fostering a recovery-friendly BU community.
Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her)
Chief Health Officer
Executive Director, Student Health Services
Boston University