National Recovery Month: The MEND Program Is Here For You

September 8, 2025

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (“SAMHSA”), approximately 50 million American adults consider themselves to be in recovery from substance use and/or mental health problems. This National Recovery Month, the NYCDCC Fund Office is offering resources and support to our members and their dependents who are looking to better their lives through recovery.

What is Recovery?

SAMHSA defines recovery as follows: “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.”

While recovery is a personal process and can take many different forms, SAMHSA outlines the following as “The Four Major Dimensions of Recovery”:

Health – Overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms – for example, abstaining from use of alcohol, illicit drugs, and non-prescribed medication if one has an addiction problem- and for everyone in recovery making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being.

Home – Having a stable and safe place to live.

Purpose – Conducting meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in society.

Community – Having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.

To learn more, visit the Recovery and Recovery Support page on SAMHSA’s website here: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery

NYCDCC and The MEND Program

In 2016, as part of our effort to strengthen and support the NYCDCC community, the Fund Office launched the Members Education and Network for Dependency (“MEND”) Program. The goal of the MEND Program is to provide assistance to participants and dependents in addressing substance abuse and mental health issues through the following services:

– Referrals to appropriate level of treatment including inpatient and outpatient treatment for all substances and mental health issues.

– Case management and Coordination of Services with outside providers.

– Supportive services and Education.

We encourage you to learn more by reading the flyer below and visiting our MEND page: https://nyccbf.org/news-media/mend-program-and-wellness/

If you or one of your dependents is struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues, please contact the MEND Program for assistance from our accredited staff. The MEND program can be reached by phone at (212) 366-7590 or by email at MEND@nyccbf.org. Please remember that there is no shame in asking for help, that MEND operates under strict confidentiality restrictions, and that we are here to help you and your family.