Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Executive Director Update!
On a quarterly basis I’ll be providing updates on Jamie Daniels Foundation activities but also to inform you of future plans and potential initiatives.
I’m relatively new and still learning about substance use disorder, but one thing is crystal clear – this “silent” epidemic is causing devastation across our country, impacting communities and families without discrimination. Government data shows over 100,000 lives have been lost in the past year due to overdose. As a result, this has caused the nation roughly $1 trillion, along with unimaginable heartache.
This is a significant problem that requires collaborative, far-reaching efforts along with targeted local initiatives.
Advocacy
Earlier this year the Jamie Daniels Foundation partnered with Voices for Opioid Choices, a nonpartisan coalition to create non-addictive choices and increase utilization of non-opioid pain management approaches. This coalition is also advocating for the passage of the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation Act (“NOPAIN Act”) which has been cosponsored by over 130 members of Congress.
We’ve also joined a cross-disciplinary collaborative, working with both non-profit and for-profit organizations to identify synergistic approaches to combating substance use disorder. The goal of this strategic partnership is to establish collaborative, efficient, and effective ways to overcoming the drug use crisis. While still in the early stages, over the coming months I’m hoping to share new and enterprising initiatives coming from this partnership.
Fundraising
Locally, we are excited to be a partner in the establishment of a new adolescent substance use disorder treatment center in southeastern Michigan. This out-patient clinic will care for youth regardless of insurance coverage or ability to self-pay. Proceeds from our upcoming Jamie Daniels Foundation Comedy Night of Hope will support this project. This event will be held on May 1 at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak, Mich. To learn more, including sponsorship opportunities, click here.
Impact
The Jamie Daniels Foundation continues to be a major funder of collegiate recovery programs throughout the state of Michigan. Our support and partnership with Ten16 Recovery Network program helped to provide a licensed outpatient substance use disorder therapist serving the students at Central Michigan University, Ferris State University, and Mid Michigan College. A current student participating in this service shared the following:
“I am not alone in my struggle, thanks to this program. I have an expert to help guide me. This is quite seriously a life changing program, and it is comforting to know that these services are available to help struggling college students like myself live a better life.”
Please know that we are working diligently to expand our roster of supported schools and extend our support to even more students striving to overcome their struggles with substance use disorder.
Thank you for your ongoing support and I look forward to keeping you posted on all our activities throughout the year.
If you have any questions or issues you would like to discuss, please contact me at [email protected]
Best regards,
Chris
