I am working with the Giving Initiative for Teens foundation (GIFT) to raise money to help those who suffer from substance dependence and abuse. Every year, thousands of people suffer from the consequences of substance abuse, including fatal outcome: in 2018 alone 1,200 people died from drug overdose in Washington state, and 67,000 people across the nation. Our goal is to raise money to get people the help they need so they can live healthy, productive lives in our society. 

With the money we raise, we will be supporting mental health programs that help people recover from substance-abuse diseases: Therapeutic Health Services, Evergreen Treatment Services, and Sound Mental Health.

Supporting these services is even more essential now during the COVID-19 epidemic as Substance abuse is a leading cause for chronic homelessness, and preventing this condition is necessary to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

These days people who are suffering from substance dependence disorders are more likely to relapse due to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and isolation – powerful triggers for cravings to use substances again. There is a dire shortage of available services - while valuable services like AA/NA are closing due to social isolation rules, people rely more than ever on health care providers like Sound, Evergreen Treatment Services, and Therapeutic Health Services.

At the Therapeutic Health Services works with expecting and experienced parents (afflicted by substance abuse) through one-on-one and group counseling sessions and provides them with individualized recovery goals. The Evergreen Treatment Services helps primarily homeless people with substance abuse and will help by giving them access to life-saving resources. Finally, at Sound Mental Health they help young adults with substance abuse problems by using a “contingency management” program where participants will receive tangible rewards when they provide evidence of alcohol or drug abstinence.

In this time of need, any and every contribution is highly appreciated. Hence we are asking only for $10 donations to be given to this GIFT account.

Of course, if you are compelled to give more – it will be highly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Ethan Kogan