Phoenix House of NY/LI Announces Partnership with Dawgpatch Bandits to Promote Exercise for Those in Recovery

LONG ISLAND, NY (11/16/2023) (readMedia)-- Today, Phoenix House of New York and Long Island announced their partnership with Dawgpatch Bandits. They have installed fitness stations at three Phoenix House locations so far: Wainscott, Hauppauge, and Lake Ronkonkoma. Phoenix House utilizes evidence-based therapeutic interventions to address specific client needs. On-site support services include vocational, educational, medical, medications for addiction treatment, and psychiatric care.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Dawgpatch Bandits on an outdoor gym. Exercise is crucial for recovery and thanks to Dawgpatch, our clients are able to hit the gym on their own time as they continue their pathway to healing. This partnership is a major win for our clients as they work towards recovery, " said Ann-Marie Foster, CEO of Phoenix House of NY/LI.

"We are very excited to partner with Phoenix House on these three new fitness areas on Long Island. We are grateful for Phoenix House's willingness to take on these projects, and support us in our mission of bringing more fitness resources to individuals in recovery. We hope to see these fitness areas get a lot of use, and we look forward to continuing to work with Phoenix House in the future." - Drew Harvey, President/Founder of Dawgpatch Bandits Inc.

"Exercise has been a big part of my recovery. I've been able to focus better, be more disciplined, and more consistent. Dawgpatch Fitness Station is an exciting addition to Phoenix House and a great common area to share my journey with others," said a member in recovery at Phoenix House.

Studies show that exercise naturally and positively alters a person's brain chemistry. Instead of one's body releasing endorphins from using substances, exercise allows one's body to release endorphins that create a natural high. It is common for people who have used drugs and alcohol in the past to experience an imbalance that interferes with their ability to feel pleasure, happiness, or satisfaction. Physical activity supports treatment and recovery by helping reintroduce natural levels of endorphins in a person's system.

About Phoenix House:

Since 1967, Phoenix House New York has helped thousands of people overcome substance and alcohol use disorders 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.

Background on Dawgpatch Bandit

Established in 2018, Dawgpatch Bandits launched with a cross country bicycle tour to raise awareness for the opioid epidemic plaguing this country, and honor two great friends, Mike Semkus and Anthony Grasso, who passed away from opioid overdoses in 2016 and 2017. In 37 days they bicycled from San Diego, CA to Sag Harbor, NY covering 3,300 miles and raising $6,700 for their cause.

After putting every dollar raised into our two founding projects, the Mike Semkus Memorial and Anthony Grasso Memorial, their efforts continued. Today they are a certified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization promoting fitness to support mental health. While we have a specific focus on promoting fitness as a tool to support substance abuse and mental health recovery, we maintain the belief that the promotion of outdoor health and fitness for everyone is essential to creating a healthy community