After Tragic Year of Record Overdoses, Electeds + Addiction Treatment Workforce Celebrate Recovery Community

BROOKLYN, NY (02/08/2022) (readMedia)-- Today, the Phoenix House's Brooklyn Community Recovery Center, Brooklyn's only community-based recovery center, hosted elected officials from across Brooklyn to celebrate the Recovery community, and discuss how Brooklynites can come together to fight the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) epidemic. The event occurred in conjunction with Friends of Recovery-NY's Stand Up for Recovery Day.

Watch the Zoom recording here. Passcode: mrGs&=s0

Following a morning of statewide Zoom sessions, Assembly Members Emily Gallagher, Phara Souffrant Forrest, and Latrice Walker joined the Brooklyn Community Recovery Center virtually. Then, Council Members Crystal Hudson, Sandy Nurse, and Chi Ossé participated in a panel where they discussed the Recovery movement and fighting the addiction crisis within the Covid-19 pandemic. Elected officials touched on issues related to Substance Use Disorder and Recovery including racial justice, health equity, workforce development, career training, housing, recovery support and treatment services, transportation, and increased funding for addiction and mental health treatment.

This annual event is particularly relevant this year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose devastating effects for people with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). COVID combined with the rising prevalence of fentanyl led to over 100,000 Americans losing their lives to drug overdoses from May 2020 to April 2021, up almost 30% from the previous year. The addiction crisis has become one of the most pressing issues of our time, made more so by the shrinking addiction treatment workforce. But Recovery and the Recovery community offer a bright spot.

"The Recovery Community is why we do what we do. It's a challenging time to provide addiction treatment – dealing with a global pandemic for the past 23 months, none of us are exempt from the struggles of anxiety, depression, and isolation. As addiction treatment providers, we must focus on integrating addiction and mental health treatment, in addition to innovating how we provide treatment and imagining what better treatment can look like. If we do these things, the better our chances are of saving lives," said Ann Marie Foster, president and CEO of Phoenix Houses of NY/LI.

"Today's event is all about visibility for the Recovery community. The pandemic has been an extremely challenging time to provide addiction treatment and to be a person in recovery, with increased isolation, too many unnecessary overdoses and rising numbers of substance use. While there may be many dark times in this work, helping people to Recover, helping to make Recovery more visible, and decreasing stigma is the light in the safe harbor that guides us with hopeful optimism. I am so proud to work with and grow this community and celebrate every single one of its members," said Shaun Willis, Director of Recovery Services and Community Outreach at Brooklyn Community Recovery Center.

"One of the most important things that people in recovery need is a safe, structured and stable environment to live in while addressing substance use disorders (SUD). The need is urgent. We're still in the midst of a pandemic and the number of drug overdose deaths is rising at an alarming rate. New York has to recommit itself -- through funding and effective services -- to helping people in recovery," said Assembly Member Latrice Walker.

"I believe strongly in supporting people who struggle with addiction and making it easier for them to access treatment, instead of penalizing them or creating barriers to healthcare. That's why I'm sponsoring the Treatment not Jail bill at the state level, and it's why I'll continue to support recovery services in my district for everyone who needs them." said Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest.

"New York is long overdue to recognize the needs and prioritize the dignity of our neighbors experiencing addiction. While we seek and treat the root causes of drug use in our communities, we must also develop a robust program for uplifting those who are currently in recovery. Let's eliminate the stigma around Substance Use Disorders, invest in mental health services, and lay a path forward for all. The Covid-19 Pandemic exacerbated many of the problems facing folks experiencing addiction; it is the shared role of government and these heroic partner organizations to celebrate, uplift, and grow the Recovery Community," said Council Member Chi Ossé.

"The recovery community gives me the strength and fortitude to carry on the work of social and racial justice, harm reduction, and creating a more loving, humane New York. We have so much to learn from people who struggle through the pain of addiction and built a network of solidarity, care and support. I will always proudly Stand up for Recovery and fight for your priorities in Albany," said Assembly Member Emily Gallagher.

"Our city must radically shift how we treat people who use drugs, and lead with care and compassion. We must provide community-based mental health services as part of a holistic approach to addressing addiction that includes access to culturally competent healthcare, supportive housing, and good jobs with living wages. We will not have a compassionate city for all until we rid society of the stigma surrounding addiction and redefine our approach and our understanding of recovery," said Council Member Crystal Hudson.

About Phoenix House

Since 1967, Phoenix House New York has helped thousands of people overcome substance and alcohol use in order to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. Phoenix House New York offers short-term and long-term residential, intensive outpatient, and general outpatient treatment. Phoenix House also offers treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, medical, psychiatric, and dental services, and impaired driver programs. These services are designed to meet the individual needs of adults at various stages of recovery, including military personnel, and veterans. In addition, Phoenix House provides educational and supportive services to family members, friends, significant others, and the community.