WHAT: Shatterproof, a national nonprofit focused on reversing the course of the addiction crisis in America, will host an event on Saturday, October 7. During this event, the Boston community will come together and support families, friends, neighbors and colleagues impacted by the disease of addiction. More than 46 million Americans ages 12 and older identify as having a substance use disorder (SUD) in the U.S. Recent state data in Massachusetts shows there were 2,357 overdose deaths in 2022. That’s 57 more deaths than in 2021, and an increase of 9% from the highest point before the COVID pandemic.

The annual Shatterproof Walk gives the community the opportunity to bring the disease of addiction into the light and share inspiring stories of hope and recovery. Participants will unite to engage in several activities geared toward ending the stigma associated with SUDs, including the community walk. 

Additional walk day highlights: 

• The Shatterproof Community Resource Village will showcase SUD resources from local organizations.
• Participants can select a bracelet that speaks to them personally to represent why they are participating in the Shatterproof Walk — whether it be in memorial of a loved one, for themselves in recovery, or to show their support to those who have SUDs.
• An opening ceremony will profile local walkers touched by addiction and recognize top teams, fundraisers and leading event sponsors.

Funds raised from the walk will support Shatterproof’s work in advocating for changes in federal and state policy as well as programming focused on saving lives and changing the conversation about addiction. 

For more information or to register for the Shatterproof Walk event, visit:
https://shatterproofwalk.org/boston

            WHO:                             

Shatterproof executives:

Kirsten Suto Seckler, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

Lisa Kugler, Senior Vice President, Shatterproof Treatment Atlas

Gillian Tietz, MS, Host of Sober Powered podcast and person in recovery

WCVB-TV anchor, Ted Wayman

Available for interviews

WHEN:                           

Saturday, October 7, 2023 

8:00 a.m. Site opens 

9:00 a.m. Opening Ceremony begins 

9:30 a.m. Walk begins 

11:00 a.m. Walk concludes

WHERE:

Carson Beach 
125 William J. Day Boulevard 
Boston, MA 02125 

Shatterproof extends sincere thanks to the sponsors of the Shatterproof Walk:

Champion Sponsors: Elevance Health Foundation, Indivior, Mariner Wealth Advisers, and Pacira
Signature Sponsors: Allmed, Braeburn, CHUBB, ICG Advisors, JP Morgan Chase & Co, and SoundCloud
Gold Sponsors: Captivate, Alkermes, HEI, Lockton, and G-P (Global Made Possible)
Media Sponsors: WCVB 5 ABC and Lemonada Media

ABOUT SHATTERPROOF:

Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the U.S. Shatterproof is focused on guiding communities, removing systemic barriers to recovery, mobilizing the country to advocate for change, and ending addiction stigma in the U.S. Find Shatterproof on Facebook, X and YouTube @ShatterproofHQ or follow us on Instagram at @weareshatterproof. To learn more, visit www.Shatterproof.org. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression or a substance use disorder, text SHATTERPROOF TO 741741 for help.

CONTACT:
Lauren Lawson-Zilai
Shatterproof
press@shatterproof.org