Run for Your Life celebrates recovery for eighth consecutive year

More than 1,000 people came out to Icahn Stadium on September 28th to show their support for men and women in treatment for substance use and mental health disorders at the 8th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Run & Recovery Walk. WPIX reporter Jay Dow emceed the event, which also featured fitness competitions, zumba lessons, children’s races and activities, and the presentation of the CASAC of the Year Award to Milton Slaughter, coordinator of residential admissions at Odyssey House.

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, though unable to attend, sent a message of support: “For nearly 50 years, Odyssey House has provided invaluable support to those suffering from mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and HIV/AIDS by providing therapy and health services, housing, vocational training, and more. As people from across the five boroughs come together to recognize National Recovery Month, we applaud Odyssey House and all those associated with it for their unwavering dedication to individuals and families in need, and together, we look forward to building a stronger, healthier future for us all.”

Participants included clients from other NYC-based treatment agencies, friends and family of people in recovery, as well as representatives from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and our corporate partners. Thank you to everyone for making Run for Your Life such a successful event!

Celebrate recovery month on Saturday!

The Odyssey House Run for Your Life 5K Run & Recovery Walk is only 4 days away! Register today and show your support for individuals and families in recovery. 

Run for Your Life is more than just a race. Join us for a variety of family-friendly activities: 

• Zumba demonstrations 
• Children's races & games 
• Wellness booth and more! 

Register Now!

I can't make it but would like to support recovery. 

Run for Your Life is a National Recovery Month event in support of men and women in recovery from substance use disorders. This event increases awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders, and promotes the message that behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover. 

This year's Recovery Month theme, "Join the Voices for Recovery: Together on Pathways to Wellness," emphasizes that there are many unique ways people can prevent behavioral health issues, seek treatment, and sustain recovery. The theme also highlights the importance of mental, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as the value of family, friends, and community members throughout the recovery journey. 

Thank you for supporting recovery. We look forward to seeing you there!

Odyssey House employee named CASAC of the Year

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) has named Milton Slaughter, coordinator of residential admissions at Odyssey House, CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) of the Year.

As coordinator of residential admissions, Mr. Slaughter conducts intake interviews, new patient orientations and comprehensive psychosocial assessments. He often engages in intensive case management activities, gathering information from and following up with a range of collateral service providers both during and after intake, and assures that patients’ needs are addressed through well-coordinated, multi-disciplinary interventions.

Mr. Slaughter first entered Odyssey House as a client in 1992. He took full advantage of his time at the Leadership Center, earning his GED and participating in vocational training programs. Two years after completing treatment, Mr. Slaughter returned as an employee, working his way up from a food service worker at the Harbor and counselor at the Leadership Center to progressively responsible positions in the Admissions department. In 2005, he received his CASAC.

Each September in observance of National Recovery Month, OASAS acknowledges addictions professionals across New York State who provide exceptional services ranging from chemical dependence prevention, treatment and recovery, to problem gambling services for persons and communities in need. This marks the fourth consecutive, and sixth overall, Addictions Professional Award given to an Odyssey House employee.