Campaign Showcases The Power And Reality Of Recovery
STATE OF NEW YORK FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marking the 20th anniversary of National Recovery Month and surrounded by supporters of New York's recovery movement, State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today announced the next 12 spotlight stories of the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com. "These are the real stories of recovery — the young addicted mother who walks into treatment ready to make a new life for her unborn child; the adolescent boy who wants a better life without the drugs; and the veteran whose substance abuse will no longer prevent him from finding his true potential," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. The Your Story Matters campaign, now in its second year, encourages New Yorkers to share their stories of recovery in an effort to break the cycle of addiction, eliminate stigma and promote lives of sobriety and wellness. In addition to submitting their story on the interactive website, site visitors can read the stories and watch videos of the 12 new spotlight stories. "Through these stories, we can reach the 2.5 million New Yorkers who are dealing with drug, alcohol or gambling addiction," Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo said. "These are stories of hope, healing, honesty and courage. If you are in recovery or are the friend or family member of someone who is in recovery, share your story at www.iamrecovery.com, anonymously if you wish, to show the world that Recovery is Real." The announcement of the spotlight stories came at the Pathways to Recovery Forum, as hundreds of recovery supporters met for discussion on the many unique pathways to recovery, with speakers representing treatment, mutual self-help groups, medication-assisted treatment, drug court and faith-based pathways. The event at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, was held in advance of the national Recovery Rally at the Brooklyn Bridge on September 12, where Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo is to address an expected 10,000 recovery supporters. The state's theme for Recovery Month 2009, Pathways to Recovery, is a celebration of the many unique ways individuals find and sustain long-term recovery. "These individuals represent the future and the reality of the state's recovery movement — they are our hope, inspiration and proof that recovery is real, possible and happening every day in this great state," added Carpenter-Palumbo. "Through their stories of second chances, gratitude and potential, New Yorkers in recovery will see a day without stigma and a society that welcomes their achievements. They stand here to encourage all of you to share your story and inspire hope. Why? It matters." The 2009-10 Your Story Matters campaign spotlight stories:
Joined today at the Forum by five of the 12 individuals represented in this year's Campaign spotlight stories, Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo took a moment to thank them for their courage, honesty and commitment to strengthening New York's recovery movement, presenting them with a silver recovery 'badge of honor'. OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services systems dedicated to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, with more than 1,550 programs serving over 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day. Through efforts such as the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com, the agency hopes to foster a movement of recovery, one that sheds the stigma and promotes a life of health and wellness. Addiction is a chronic disease and New Yorkers need to know that help and hope is available. Individuals can find help by calling the toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day a week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY. For more information, please visit www.oasas.state.ny.us. |