The Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery hosted its 30th Annual Recovery Day Celebration Wednesday, which featured speakers, comedians and artists, as well as a speech from Mayor Marty Walsh.  A virtual panel on employment opportunities for those recovering from substance use disorder or disadvantaged by criminal records is scheduled for next Tuesday. Other events focused on how to talk about addiction and the systematic exclusion of racial minorities from the recovery movement. Aside from these educational and informational events, this year’s Recovery Month activities included fitness-oriented events hosted by NamaStay Fighting and the Boston BullDogs Running Club.  Walsh, who has been open about his own recovery from alcohol addiction, created the Office of Recovery Services — the first municipal recovery office in the U.S., according to the City — in 2015 during his first term as mayor.  During the pandemic, those who suffer from substance use disorder have faced new challenges, including isolation, greater economic instability and reduced access to services.

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh received national recognition Thursday for his efforts to combat drug abuse in the city.

Roughly 10 percent of Massachusetts' population suffers from Substance Use Disorder, according to a report released Wednesday by the Center for Health Information and Analysis. The National Alliance on...