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Credit: Shatterproof
WASHINGTON -- More than 46 million people ages 12 and older identify as having a substance use disorder. Addiction alters the lives of anyone who is connected to that individual, having a ripple effect across families, friends and communities. Media plays a critical role in how the public perceives addiction through the images and language used to portray these experiences, including providing accurate, humane and scientifically grounded information in an ever-changing landscape. Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization focused on guiding communities, removing systemic barriers to recovery, mobilizing the country to advocate for change, and ending addiction stigma in the U.S., is hosting a National Recovery Month press event for science and health writers as well as national reporters to discuss substance use disorders and the science behind recovery. The event aims to foster conversations between stakeholders and experts in the addiction space through a panel discussion to increase understanding of substance use disorders and improve reporting around this important public health issue.
The discussion, “Changing the Narrative: How the Media Can Help America Recover,” will be held tomorrow, Thursday, September 7 at the National Press Club located at 529 14th St NW, Washington D.C. from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern. A virtual attendance option is also available:
https://www.workcast.com/register?cpak=6947260152146286
Panelists include:
- Nora Volkow, M.D., Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health
- Christian Heidbreder, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Indivior
- Tom McLellan, PhD, Founder, Treatment Research Institute and former Deputy Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy
- Kirsten Suto Seckler, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Shatterproof, who will guide the discussion
- Alexandra Skouzes, Shatterproof Patient Ambassador who is 5 years in recovery from an opioid use disorder and is a Certified Nursing Assistant and D.C. resident
The event will:
- Inform the media on addiction and recovery
- Discuss substance use disorder and the science behind recovery options
- Educate to help eliminate the stigma around addiction
- Highlight the resources available for media to share with their audiences
- Provide an understanding of evidence-based treatment options
Key takeaways will include comprehensive education on recovery options, recognizing how recovery treatments work, and understanding the patient population.
To participate in person, please email press@shatterproof.org. To participate virtually, please register online.
About Shatterproof
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the U.S. Shatterproof is focused on guiding communities, removing systemic barriers to recovery, mobilizing the country to advocate for change, and ending addiction stigma in the U.S. Find Shatterproof on Facebook, X, and YouTube @ShatterproofHQ or follow us on Instagram at @weareshatterproof. To learn more, visit www.Shatterproof.org. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or a substance use disorder, text SHATTERPROOF to 741741 for help.
Contacts
Lauren Lawson-Zilai
Shatterproof PR
press@shatterproof.org