HOWHEREAS, for more than 43 years, the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA) has worked to raise awareness of the children and families affected by parental alcohol and substance use, launching and championing Children of Addiction (COA) Awareness Week each year during the week of February 14 — a week that symbolizes love, connection, and healing; and

WHEREAS, 1 in 4 children in the United States lives in a family impacted by parental alcohol or other substance use, often experiencing silence, stigma, and emotional challenges that can follow them into adulthood; and

WHEREAS, these children — and the adults they become — often feel invisible, misunderstood, or alone, yet research confirms that having one caring, supportive adult or community can make a powerful difference in building resilience and hope; and

WHEREAS, COA Awareness Week serves as a time to break the silence, affirm that their voices matter, and share the critical message: “You are not alone” — not as a slogan, but as a commitment from the entire community to listen, support, and take action; and

WHEREAS, unhealed experiences from growing up in a family with substance use can impact health, relationships, and well-being well into adulthood, and it is never too late to begin the healing journey — especially when a community stands with compassion, empathy, and trauma-informed care; and

WHEREAS, NACoA continues to provide evidence-based programs, public education, and professional training to ensure that the needs of these children and families are not only acknowledged, but met with support and understanding; and

WHEREAS, community involvement — from schools, faith communities, healthcare, law enforcement, mental health services, and local leaders — is essential in creating environments where children of addiction and their families can heal, thrive, and live with dignity and hope;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED