News Flash • Town Designates September 2025 as National Reco

On Tuesday, September 9, at the Southampton Town Board Meeting, the Town Board voted unanimously on a resolution sponsored by Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara, liaison to the Addiction and Recovery/Behavioral Health Committee, designating September 2025 as National Recovery Month in the Town of Southampton.

Represented by the color purple, National Recovery Month shines a purple light on recovery and raises awareness of substance abuse disorders. Some of the Town’s most famous landmarks will be lit in purple, including the cupola at the top of Town Hall on Hampton Road, the Big Duck on Flanders Road, and the Dix Windmill in Westhampton Beach.

“We’ve all been affected by addiction. No one is immune,” said Councilwoman McNamara. “By shining a purple light on some of the most prominent landmarks throughout the Town, we’re continuing to raise awareness and remove the stigma around addiction and mental health disorders.”

Kym Laube, Executive Director of Human Understanding and Growth Services, Inc. (HUGS, Inc.) stated, “Mental health and substance use disorders touch every community across our nation. There are families and individuals who struggle right in our Town.  Wearing purple, highlighting Recovery Month, lets them know there is hope  With the right commitment and support, individuals and families can begin a journey toward healing, improved health, and contribute positively to the community.”  She emphasized, “Recovery is not only possible—it happens every single day, including in the Town of Southampton.”

This month-long initiative is supported by SAFE in Southampton, its members and member organizations, including the Southampton Town Police Department, Human Understanding & Growth Services, (HUGS Inc.), Long Island Addiction Resource Center (LIARC), Hampton Bays Schools, Hampton Coffee Company, the Town of Southampton Youth Bureau, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, SAFE in Sag Harbor, and other community members. 

National Recovery Month was established in 1989 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices. It also celebrates the nation’s vibrant recovery community and honors all those who help make recovery possible.