Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE
Monday, April 17, 2023

FOR PRESS INQUIRIES
tim@mobilizerecovery.org

Mobilize Recovery 2023 Partners with iHeartMedia and Meta to Support Recovery from Addiction and to End Overdose in America

Grammy Award-winning artist Macklemore to join the recovery community for Mobilize Recovery 2023 in Washington, D.C.

Continuing its mission to support, motivate, and empower the 23 million Americans in long term recovery, Mobilize Recovery, one of America’s largest advocacy groups focused on people seeking and living in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD), is announcing its 2023 campaign and renewed partnerships with iHeartMedia and Meta. Both companies have a longstanding partnership with Mobilize Recovery, helping to promote lifesaving resources while nurturing the recovery community through public awareness campaigns, social media amplification and bold media efforts.

Mobilize Recovery will expand its national media partnerships in 2023 with iHeartRadio and Meta to provide substantial promotional support highlighting the initiative and commitments — including mass market broadcast radio, public service announcements with notable musicians and personalities, and digital promotions throughout September and October. Partners will be included in unique media opportunities both regionally and nationally. In 2022, iHeartMedia and Meta provided mass media support to Mobilize Recovery reaching over 6 million Americans through multiple verticals.

“We are elated and strengthened in our conviction to help those in recovery as our longstanding partners have amplified their commitment in 2023 to make this year the most far reaching, comprehensive, and loudest Mobilize Recovery campaign so far,” said Ryan Hampton, co-founder and executive director of Mobilize Recovery. “Through the years, both Meta and iHeartRadio have demonstrated their commitment not just financially – but substantively – in the actions and direct support from their leadership and staff on a very personal level. These are partners that share our vocation to support the recovery community in the most authentic way possible.”

Unlike past years when recovery advocacy groups and concerned individuals could attend summits and events by paying for admission, this year’s Mobilize Recovery will require attendees to fill out an application due to increased volume of participants and the unbridled growth of the Mobilize Recovery movement (with free admission to those who are accepted to participate). People in recovery, creators in the recovery community, non-profit leaders in the addiction recovery and harm reduction communities, and impacted individuals are all encouraged to apply to attend. The application process opens on Monday, April 17 and can be found at mobilizerecovery.org. While participation and attendance at events in-person will be metered because of space considerations, interested parties will be able to view some of the programming online as well as see some selected archival pieces on video.

Meta continues to bring people together through their platform to provide vital support — whether individuals or loved ones in recovery, health professionals sharing treatment resources or organizations combating the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help. They have supported the work of Mobilize Recovery since its inception in 2019. The organization was initially incubated as a pilot project under the 2019 Facebook Community Leadership Program, a fellowship to support and fund extraordinary community leaders in creating real-world impact.

“Meta is thrilled to continue its participation in this important initiative. We know our platforms are an important place for people in recovery to find resources and support, as well as their families and support systems. Our hope is that 2023 will continue to build on the success of this partnership and impact even more lives,” said Avra Siegel, Director of U.S. Policy Programs at Meta.

iHeartMedia, the No. 1 audio company in America, which reaches 90% of Americans every month, is deeply involved with a multi-year engagement supporting Mobilize Recovery and is using its multiple platforms to support community and musical events, as well as a number of PSAs designed to provide local support and resources directly to listeners.

“Mobilize Recovery has become central to iHeart Recovery Month, and this movement is one that drives real and measurable outcomes. As the number one audio company in America by reach, iHeart is in a unique position to help the recovery movement build momentum and support across its industry-leading portfolio of assets and brands,” said Alexandra Cameron, Executive Vice President of Unified Partnerships at iHeartMedia. “We have had extraordinary success in reaching communities across America with these important stigma-reducing messages over the last several years, and we’re looking forward to working with Mobilize Recovery to build on that success.”

Macklemore will join recovery advocates from all 50 states in-person on Tuesday, Sept. 19 in Washington, D.C., on the final day of Mobilize Recovery 2023. Through his participation, the Grammy Award-winning artist will be joining his peers in recovery, committing to inspire recovery and end overdose through various impact projects in local communities across the United States.

To learn more about Mobilize Recovery 2023, or to complete an application for participation, go to mobilizerecovery.org. To view iHeart’s activities with Mobilize Recovery in past years, go to
iheartrecoverymonth.com.

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highlights

Mobilize Recovery 2020

In 2020 due to the global pandemic, Mobilize Recovery was held virtually over the three day period and brought together over 500 recovery advocates from every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. In addition to having nationwide participation, Mobilize Recovery included a star-studded lineup of speakers such as Elton John, Macklemore, U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and President Bill Clinton. They spoke about their personal experiences with recovery and why they remain passionate about policy change that saves lives, creates infrastructure, and eliminates the stigma of addiction. Leaders from national recovery organizations such as Shatterproof, Serve You Rx, The Voices Project, Recovery Advocacy Project, Partnership to End Addiction also delivered remarks and insights into their work building a national recovery coalition.

highlights

Mobilize Recovery 2022

In 2022, the Mobilize Recovery Across America bus traveled 10,403 miles —passing over 25 states + the District of Columbia — and hosted over 35 organizing events throughout September 2022. By the end of the tour, it was covered with thousands of messages and names that represent an extraordinary amount of hope.

Together as we crossed the country, we distributed over 11,000 fentanyl test strips, 10,000 free overdose response kits with naloxone, registered new recovery voters, hosted organizing trainings, public narrative trainings, and new ways for the recovery community to engage. In just under one month, our message reached over 1 million Americans through Facebook and iHeart.

highlights

Mobilize Recovery 2021

Mobilize Recovery 2021 was attended by over 300 advocates in person, while nearly 1,000 participants logged in to network, share skills, and cultivate community. The conference was hosted by the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and supported by Nevada’s public health department, ensuring that participants would stay healthy and safe.

On the final day of the 2021 convening — International Recovery Day — Mobilize Recovery produced Recover Out Loud, a nationwide broadcast event celebrating our commitment to fighting addiction and supporting recovery in America. The livestream concert event was supported by media brands Google, YouTube, iHeartMedia, & Variety—and included appearances by diverse recovery voices from across the country, including U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. Over 1 million people tuned into the live nationwide event—which included musical performances by Macklemore, KT Tunstall, Sandgaard, Evvie McKinney, the Residency, Daphne Willis, and more.

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