Dear Friends,

During this holiday season, supporters like you are more cherished and more needed by those who struggle with addiction.

Even in these unique times, the holidays will be joyful for many…

…for some, it’s just the opposite.

Because of the pandemic numerous families are struggling with mental health and substance use. Many individuals are in need of healing and hope.

Although statistics can’t begin to tell the moving stories of those individuals who need our help, the numbers provide a sharp focus on why friends like you are so important—more so than ever…

…and why I hope you will give serious consideration to making as generous and extraordinary Year End Contribution as soon as you possibly can to help us meet this crisis.

Here’s what we’re up against and why your help is so urgently needed:

• 21% increase in frequency of alcohol use

• 41% increase in number of individuals facing mental health challenges

• 80% increase in reports of young people struggling with depression and substance use due to isolation

Behind those statistics is the equally harsh reality. Access to existing treatment options is limited.

More than 12 million Americans have lost employer-sponsored health insurance coverage…and financial and other strains have caused many addiction care facilities to close or shut down programs.

BUT THANKS TO FRIENDS LIKE YOU…

HAZELDEN BETTY FORD'S LIFESAVING WORK CONTINUES

• We rapidly responded during the early days of the pandemic and stood-up our telehealth services creating a robust and easy to access on-line platform.

• More than 4,300 individuals have participated in our virtual recovery programs since March.

• We are now helping more individuals than before the pandemic. Enrollment in intensive outpatient treatment is up 23% from this time last year.

Thanks to the caring generosity of friends like you, promising early indicators from the Butler Center for Research demonstrate virtual on-line services are as effective as on-site treatment.

Your compassion and generosity are so important as we end this especially difficult year. More than ever we need your heartfelt gift. Our ability to save lives…to change lives…depends on you.