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WHEREAS, a critical need exists to accelerate efforts in western Pennsylvania to combat the opioid crisis and related addiction issues by preventing substance abuse through community awareness and education, and by providing proven treatment and recovery services; and
WHEREAS, Familylinks, Kevin Stevens and his Power Forward Foundation are joining forces in a new exclusive partnership - Power Forward with Familylinks; and
WHEREAS, this partnership combines the significant expertise in addiction prevention and recovery programming of Pittsburgh’s own Familylinks with the powerful personal story of former Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup winner, Kevin Stevens; and
WHEREAS, Power Forward with Familylinks will implement this exclusive partnership through the following activities:
• Prevention presentations directed to students, youth groups, community organizations, churches and similar groups;
• Recognizes that Familylinks is a valued provider of addiction treatment and recovery services in this region
• Public service announcements aimed at prevention and recovery;
• Lunch and Learn education presentations for employees and/or clients of business entities in this region;
• Support materials for corporate human resources/employee assistance program staff;
• Community outreach to as many residents of western PA as possible;
WHEREAS, this partnership will be formally launched at the Familylinks’ Strong. For Life Luncheon on April 3, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena, with Kevin as the featured speaker; and
WHEREAS, Kevin will share his dramatic account of addiction to opioids following his on-ice injury during a Penguins game 20+ years ago, his struggle with several attempts at ending his addiction, the essential support of his family and the team, and now nearly two years of recovery following his court-ordered community service; and
WHEREAS, this partnership is a natural fit, as among its roster of family-centered programs, Familylinks provides a full range of comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery support through inpatient residential settings, outpatient programs, a Suboxone Clinic, transitional housing and support, and family counseling; and
WHEREAS, Kevin can share how important quality care is, this is also how Familylinks approaches clients - working with each individual facing the personal devastation and difficulties of addiction. The goal is to successfully bring each individual through the journey to recovery, and to the point where they are independent and Strong. For Life; and
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does recognize the value of Kevin Steven’s sharing his story; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby call upon the people of the City of Pittsburgh and interested groups to seek help for opiate addiction if they are in need; and promote awareness of Power Forward with Familylinks; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Council of the City of Pittsburgh does recognize that Familylinks is a valued provider of addiction treatment and recovery services in this region.