Jelly Roll and Melissa Etheridge Named Co-Chairs for Mobilize Recovery's 2025 College ‘Campus Surge' Initiative
Championship college football coach Scott Cochran, a person in long-term recovery, along with Sheriff Karl Leonard of Chesterfield County, VA's Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) jail-based recovery program, will also participate as co-chairs.
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Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, is committed to raising awareness about addiction, mental health, and criminal justice reform, aligning with Mobilize Recovery's mission to empower communities in addressing the overdose crisis. Beyond his musical success, Jelly Roll actively uses his platform to advocate for change and support those affected by these critical issues. He frequently visits prisons and treatment centers to share his personal story and inspire others on their path to recovery — and he was honored for his efforts with the changemaker of the year award at Variety's 2024 Hitmakers celebration.
Etheridge's commitment to the recovery community grew following the tragic loss of her son. 'Our young people are the future, and their well-being is paramount,' said Etheridge. 'That's why I'm so proud to co-chair Mobilize Recovery for a third year. By working directly with local communities, this effort provides critical resources needed to support the next generation in their journey towards recovery from addiction and mental health challenges. It's an honor to be part of such a meaningful and impactful project.'
Ryan Hampton, co-founder of Mobilize Recovery, commented, 'Jelly Roll's authenticity and dedication to destigmatization make him an ideal partner for this initiative. We are confident that he will connect with individuals on a profound level and empower them to become leaders within their communities. Melissa Etheridge's ongoing involvement has been invaluable, and we are delighted to have her continue with us this year.'
The 2025 Mobilize Recovery initiative will feature Day of Service events hosted by numerous non-profit organizations nationwide. These events will focus on raising awareness, promoting prevention, improving access to care, and fostering empathy within their respective communities. Additionally, events will be held on college campuses across the country to highlight campus-based treatment and recovery programs designed to support students. These programs, developed over decades, have provided guidance to countless students in navigating sobriety while addressing the unique challenges of a college environment. Participating schools and event dates will be announced at the beginning of the summer.
Mobilize Recovery is also partnering with keystone sponsors including Meta, iHeartMedia, Indivior, Braeburn, and SAMHSA's Opioid Response Network, to enhance the reach and impact of the 2025 initiative. These partnerships will leverage social media, technology, and broadcasting to disseminate vital information, connect individuals with resources, and inspire action on a national scale.
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