Press Release – NEW YORK, NY (November 16, 2017) – Today, HealthCorps.org, a national health and wellness nonprofit organization founded by Dr. Mehmet Oz launched its national partnership with iRecover.me, an online substance abuse education and peer support for high school and college students, in conjunction with this evening’s 3rd Annual National Night of Conversation.
“Alcohol and drug addiction is a critical problem in America. Our partnership with iRecover will empower students to have frank conversations with family and trusted advisors around addiction and recovery that can save lives” said HealthCorps President Michelle Bouchard.
A survey of 375 HealthCorps students in 2016 found that 35% of students are less likely to use drugs after discussing drugs and alcohol with their parents. A 2017 survey of 298 HealthCorps students found that 28% of students do not feel comfortable discussing drugs and alcohol with their parents or a trusted advisor.
National Night of Conversation was developed in 2015 by The Dr. Oz Show, Facing Addiction, HealthCorps, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to encourage parents to have an open conversation with their children about alcohol and drugs over dinner. Research shows that children who have dinner with their families have a lower risk of drug use.
On November 16 HealthCorps students will participate in an addiction prevention and recovery resources lesson provided by iRecover.me. They will also be encouraged to post a photo of an empty dinner plate on social media to show support for this national night of conversation with the hashtag #NightOfConversation. HealthCorps coordinators explain and encourage teens to participate in this video.
“On most nights of the year you can find people posting pictures of their meals on social media. On November 16th, we are asking people to post a picture of an empty dinner plate because the conversation is more important than the food,” said HealthCorps Founder Dr. Mehmet Oz.
The Facing Addiction Discussion Guide and 2016 and 2017 surveys can be found here.
