NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — An organization that provides grants to help people in need of treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues is making strides and expanding its campaign.
Since 2011, Fund recovery has grown from a Nashville-based nonprofit to a national organization that has donated nearly $1.9 million and awarded more than 800 scholarships to people in need.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 Fund Recovery’s 3rd Annual Charity Dinner and Concerthappening at City Winery in downtown Nashville.
A few days before the second annual banquet, the Covenant School shooting occurred in Nashville. The next fundraising event raised approximately $250,000 and provided medical treatment to approximately 100 people affected by the tragedy.
Ryan Cain, executive director of Fund Recovery, said some of these people are still receiving treatment thanks to the support. Therapy practitioners who have provided services over the past year will be recognized at Tuesday night’s event.
Kane said the waiting list for help is endless, mostly people seeking treatment. But Cain said more people are requiring drug and alcohol treatment.
In Davidson County, Data from CDC It shows there were 442 overdose deaths from September 2022 to August 2023. In August 2023 alone, that equates to 3 fatal overdoses per 100,000 residents.
Mr Kane said that in response to the staggering numbers, Fund Recovery’s current focus was to reduce the stigma around asking for help. Their tactic is to gather spokespeople, many of them famous athletes and musicians, to share their stories.
“We want people to share their stories and tell people we respect, ‘You may not know this, but I’ve been struggling with anxiety,’ or ‘You don’t know this. “Maybe, but I used to suffer from anxiety,” and I’m happy to tell you that I drank myself to sleep at night and finally asked for help, and it changed my life. has changed for the better,” Kane said. “We want to destigmatize the idea of admitting you have a problem and asking for help.”
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Another goal is to increase Narcan distribution. Narcan is a nasal spray that can treat drug overdoses in emergency situations.
“We want to encourage the government to take Narcan out of the streets, not just health departments,” Cain said. “My goal is to take Narcan with me wherever I go. Convenience stores, restaurants, Dollar General, anywhere anyone can easily walk in and get Narcan.”
The defunding mission was painful for Kane.
“Twelve years ago, someone helped me,” he said. “I was hurt and lost everything. But someone came along and helped me get treatment and changed my life. I want to offer that to others.”
You can help raise funds by attending or sponsoring an event. Donate to an ongoing campaign.You can apply to receive support here.