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Though this year has not been without its challenges, we remain dedicated to transforming how our nation addresses addiction. In March, when the pandemic first necessitated our team to go home, set up remote offices at our kitchen tables, and rethink what it means to “go to work,” we strived not to miss a beat.
Now, many months later, we can confidently say we met the obstacles before us head-on. Looking back, we have made a genuine difference on behalf of families impacted by substance use.
While there are too many to list, both big and small, some of our successes from 2020 include:
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- Throughout quarantine, our helpline, accessible by phone, text, email or Facebook, remained available to parents and caregivers in need of help.
- We doubled the number of parent coaches who volunteer with us, providing free, personalized support for others seeking help on behalf of their child who is struggling.
- Our new public service announcements debuted, reaching millions of families with the message: to end addiction, start with connection.
- We introduced parents and caregivers seeking connection to our brand-new online support community gatherings.
- Supporters from all 50 states joined us to advocate for change.
- We shared stories of healing and hope via our first-ever podcast: Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas. The newest episode just came out, featuring guest Jim Carroll, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
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Yet, there is still much to be done. Americans are drinking more and misusing substances to cope with stress and anxiety related to the pandemic. Our children face new pressures every day that we must prepare them for. The number of lives lost to overdose deaths continues to rise. It remains incredibly challenging for families to access quality care for their loved ones in need of treatment.
In the new year, we look forward to building upon the momentum we have created thus far. Our work is far from over, but the resilience we, as an organization and a nation, have shown to date instills hope that putting an end to addiction is achievable. In fact, we get closer every day.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We couldn’t do it without you and your support.
Wishing you and yours a peaceful holiday season.
Best,
The team at Partnership to End Addiction
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