As well-known American author Garrison Keillor once said: “A book is a gift you can open again and again.” Such a gift is seldom more life-changing than when it points toward recovery from a substance use disorder.
That’s the aim of a unique, ongoing fundraiser spearheaded by Michele Scasserra, director of substance use counseling services at Blake Recovery Center. Part of Carrier Clinic, which specializes in mental health and substance use disorders, Blake Recovery Center treats about 1,400 people each year in its inpatient program and has been recognized among the best addiction treatment centers in New Jersey for the third time in four years.
Michele and her colleagues noticed that patients often ask them for recovery materials and books they can use while in treatment and potentially take home with them afterward. They decided to take action during National Recovery Month in September 2023.
“Most patients will access at least one of these books while they’re with us, and if someone is invested in a recovery book they’re reading, you never want to say they can’t take that book when they leave,” Michele says. “But it’s hard to keep up with the demand. This prompted me to think about what we could do to raise funds not only for books for Blake Recovery Center, but for other units at the Carrier Clinic, as well.”
With the help of Michael Loch, director of development for Behavioral Health at Hackensack Meridian Health, whose team set up a website to facilitate online donations, Michele and her colleagues spread the word on social media, with flyers and at patient alumni events. So far, the effort has raised about $1,000, a small but mighty amount that has enabled the purchase of at least 55 recovery books.
“With only hundreds of dollars, this fundraiser could have an immediate impact. It’s 55 people who we hope to give a resource that helps them stay in recovery,” Michael says.
Addiction’s broad impact on society means many people understand its devastating effects on individuals and families. “ We hope the fundraising effort will continue to gain steam in coming months because the need for something like this is never over,” Michele says.
Next Steps & Resources:
- Donate to the book fundraiser at Blake Recovery Center
- To make an appointment with a behavioral health professional near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
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