Transitions, Inc. will join more than 450 local, state and national organizations at the “UNITE to Face Addiction” rally, a free event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, October 4.
The coalition will launch a first-of-its-kind campaign to confront America’s denial about the most urgent health crisis facing our nation today – addiction to alcohol and other drugs.
The rally is being planned by Facing Addiction, an organization dedicated to changing the conversation around, and bring new solutions to, the addiction crisis in America.
“UNITE to Face Addiction will mark the first time our nation will collectively stand up to addiction, a health problem that impacts one-in-three households,” Greg Williams, co-founder of Facing Addiction and a person in long-term recovery, said. “Twenty-two million Americans are currently suffering from a substance use disorder, far too many of those affected have been incarcerated, and more than 23 million others are living in recovery. When you include the families of the afflicted, addiction impacts over 85 million people – we all know somebody. It’s not ‘those’ people, it’s all of us.”’
The rally Will mark “The Day the Silence Ends” for the one-in-three U.S. households impacted by addiction.
Transitions, a Northern Kentucky-based non-profit charity, offers a continuum of care comprised of detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient treatment, case managed sober housing and aftercare services.
Beiting
Jim Beiting, CEO of Transitions, Inc. said it is organizing a delegation to attend the event.
“Transitions, Inc. is committed to bring about a change in how we communicate about addition in order to break the denial and stigma associated with addiction, “Beiting said.
Every night Transitions has more than 400 individuals sleeping under its roof. In addition, at least 250 individuals participate in Transitions’ intensive outpatient recovery services every week.
There are many other ways to get involved with the event, including various volunteer opportunities .
The event will feature musical performances by Joe Walsh, Steven Tyler with his Nashville-based band, Loving Mary, Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell, The Fray, and John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls.
It will also include inspirational speakers from all walks of life who have been affected by addiction and remarks by celebrities, elected officials and other advocates who will join together to stand up to addiction.
“Together we must find solutions to the addiction crisis and put a face on the hope that survivors offer,” said health expert and television host Dr. Mehmet Oz, in a press release supporting the event.
Other notable individuals who have already embraced and endorsed the event include former U.S. Congresswoman Mary Bono, Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner, entrepreneur and music producer Russell Simmons, former Major League Baseball player Darryl Strawberry.
“When I lost my son, Austin, to addiction, I had no idea this tragedy was happening all over America – and that in our country, a life is lost to addiction every 4 minutes – the equivalent of a jumbo jet falling from the sky every day, with no survivors,” said Jim Hood, co-founder of Facing Addiction. “We know there are solutions to the addiction crisis and it’s time for America to face addiction and exercise the political and social will to act on those solutions.”
Additional performers and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information about Facing Addiction, including how to donate, and updates about the UNITE to Face Addiction rally, visit Facing Addiction
