WHAT: Shatterproof, a national nonprofit focused on reversing the course of the addiction crisis in America, will host an event on Saturday, October 21. The Washington, D.C. 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. D.C. has the third highest prevalence of SUDs in the U.S. The 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 a walk. 

Other highlights include: 

• The Shatterproof Community Resource Village will showcase substance use
  disorder resources from local organizations.
• Participants will be able to 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: shatterproofwalk.org/dc

WHO:                             

Shatterproof executives:

Gary Mendell, Founder and CEO

Kirsten Suto Seckler, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

Kevin Roy, Chief Public Policy Officer

Shatterproof Ambassador:

Alexandra Skouzes, Shatterproof Patient Ambassador who is 5 years in recovery from an opioid use disorder and is a Certified Nursing Assistant

Local influencer:

Laura Silverman @wearesober

Emcee:

NBC Washington anchor, Joseph Olmo

*All available for interviews

WHEN:                           

Saturday, October 21, 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 ends

WHERE:

National Harbor
165 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD 20745

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

Champion Sponsors: Deloitte, Elevance Health Foundation, Indivior, Mariner Wealth Advisers, and Pacira

Signature Sponsors: Allmed, Braeburn, CHUBB, ICG Advisors, JP Morgan Chase & Co, and SoundCloud

Exclusive Event Sponsor: G-P (Globall Made Possible)

Gold Sponsors: Captivate, HEI Hotels + Resorts, Lockton, and Flywheel Data

Media Sponsors: iHeartRadio's HOT 99.5, NBC4 Washington and Lemonada Media

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

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.