| “Your Story Matters Day” in New York |
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| Tuesday, 11 May 2010 13:58 |
Yesterday was officially a day for collective joy and celebration as hundreds of supporters turned out in Albany to share individual success stories about recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction. “Today is a day for many to celebrate victory over addiction, as well as a day for those still struggling to reach out and get the help they need to lead better lives, to become contributing, responsible members of their families and communities,” said Governor David A. Paterson who proclaimed May 10th to be “Your Story Matters Day” in New York State.. The Your Story Matters campaign is testament to the pride and dedication of the New Yorkers it represents.” In January 2009, OASAS launched the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com to help raise awareness of the chronic disease of addiction; combat the stigma wrongly-associated with substance use disorders and problem gambling addiction; and promote the message that prevention is proven, treatment works and recovery is real. The campaign website offers its viewers the opportunity to read hundreds of inspirational stories, written by individuals in recovery and those who have been affected by another’s addition and recovery; view heartfelt videos of the campaign’s spokespeople; obtain recovery resources; and submit their own stories expressing the power and possibility of recovery. “Your Story Matters is about real outcomes: the living stories of recovery that have the power to improve lives, save families, rebuild communities, and offer hope to the 2.5 million New Yorkers and the 23 million Americans suffering from alcoholism, chemical dependency and gambling addiction,” said Commissioner Karen Carpenter-Palumbo. “The hundreds of individuals who’ve shared their stories at www.iamrecovery.com battled the chronic disease of addiction and won, and I applaud their strength and determination to choose recovery and seek healthy lives. Today, we honor them.” In addition to the mission of collecting and showcasing inspirational stories of recovery, Your Story Matters selects 12 individuals every year to be spokespeople for recovery and for the campaign. The 12 campaign “spotlights” are an integral piece of the Your Story Matters campaign, offering a face and a voice to a unified, consumer-driven Recovery Movement in New York. Eight of the 12 “spotlights” from this year’s campaign shared their stories ay yesterday’s event, including Assemblyman Sam Hoyt of Buffalo and Joan Hajjar of Phoenix House. |
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