New Non-Profit Organization Changing the Way We View Co-Occurring Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse Hosts Three Support Rallies in December

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) December 4, 2004

Recovery Path Foundation (RPF) is a 501c3 non-profit organization pioneering the way we view, provide health care to, and support those seeking recovery from co-occurring eating disorders and substance addiction (EDSA). To introduce the organization to the Tampa Bay community, outline RPF’s goals and mission, and educate on this issue that affects us all, RPF will be hosting 3 rallies in December at their office to foster support.

While a major focus will be on research and education, RPF will, in the future, provide grants to qualified individuals requiring engagement in a prescribed, long-term treatment plan. Eligibility will be based on commitment level, financial status, and proper diagnosis.

“Every single member of society is affected by eating disorders and substance abuse – directly through their own personal experience, dealing with family, friends or loved ones and indirectly through personal safety, increases in healthcare costs or issues in the workplace,” says Leslie Migliozzi, Executive Director of Recovery Path Foundation. “If we were to invite everyone with EDSA in the greater Tampa Bay area to a football game, we’d be close to having a sold-out stadium.”

According to a December 2003 report by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, 50% of people with an eating disorder abuse drugs or alcohol, and 35% of people with substance dependence has an eating disorder.

RPF is collaborating with reputable mental health facilities, treatment centers and professionals; academic institutions; businesses; legislators; and community organizations to develop programs that answer the questions: What does co-occurring mean? What are the signs? How do we eliminate the shame? How do we remove the barriers to healthcare? How can the community help?

“In addition to other fundraising activities and partnerships, we are starting an intensive 30-40-50 campaign,” says Carol Wheeler, Director of Development for Recovery Path Foundation. “We are asking for (30) $ 5000, (40) $ 1000, and (50) $ 500 donations, although we welcome any amount. We need these funds because investing in the prevention and treatment of these diseases can save us millions in the costs of the consequences.”

In 2001, a study commissioned by the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation, the Schneider Institute for Health Policy at Brandeis University found that there is a significant national population battling substances – 18 million people with alcohol, 6 million with drugs and more than 5 million people have an eating disorder. For every $ 1 spent on preventative treatment, society can save between $ 4 and $ 15 on the consequences.

“We understand that we cannot treat these diseases with a quick fix. What we need to do is educate, inform and invest in long-term, comprehensive care… and it takes us all to make a difference,” says Migliozzi.

Recovery Path Foundation is headquartered in Tampa, FL, and is already gaining national interest and encouragement from professionals in the healthcare field. For more information on the December Support Rallies, to learn about RPF’s first EDSA Support Group Meeting, or to learn about how you can help, contact Recovery Path Foundation at 908 W Horatio Street, Suite A, Tampa, FL 33606 or 813-514-0350

Contact:

Leslie Migliozzi, Executive Director

Recovery Path Foundation

813-514-0350

813-514-0349 (fax)

[email protected]

www.RecoveryPathFoundation.org

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