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Mobilize Recovery is an initiative of The Voices Project and Recovery Advocacy Project.
Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI083343 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
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.
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.
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.