The addiction recovery nonprofit has launched a program that will create sober environments for musicians, industry professionals and fans
The Phoenix—a nonprofit organization that fosters a supportive, sober active community for individuals recovering from substance use—is broadening its impact to transform the way the music community thinks about substance use. The Phoenix recently unveiled its new music platform with an exclusive event at The Soiled Dove Underground in Denver.
The Phoenix aims to make music events more accessible to those with substance use disorder. The program will provide both virtual and in-person offerings that help this at-risk group rise above addiction while strengthening the connection of The Phoenix’s community through the powerful shared experience of music.
“We are always looking for the next best way to serve our members, and the music community is a natural next step for us.”
—Scott Strode, founder of The Phoenix
“Substance use is highly prevalent in the music industry. By bringing its proven community approach to music, The Phoenix will open the door for thousands of fans and artists to re-connect with music in a safe and supportive way,” says Scott Strode, founder and national executive director of The Phoenix. “We are always looking for the next best way to serve our members, and the music community is a natural next step for us.”
A Strategic Partnership
The Phoenix’s music programming is the byproduct of a strategic partnership with Send Me A Friend, a platform that supports musicians and creative professionals in recovery through connection. The collaboration features a coming-soon geolocation feature within The Phoenix app, so music fans and professionals can seamlessly connect with others committed to sobriety at events and festivals.
“It’s our hope that this new approach can move more people to find their recovery and break down barriers so that everyone can create and enjoy music safely.”
—Anders Osborne, co-founder of Send Me A Friend
“When I was introduced to Scott and The Phoenix last year, it was clear that our organizations have a lot in common and we could make a greater impact by collaborating,” says Anders Osborne, Send Me A Friend co-founder. “It’s our hope that this new approach can move more people to find their recovery and break down barriers so that everyone can create and enjoy music safely.”
In addition to its music activities, The Phoenix introduced its new “1 Million Strong” campaign, which calls on musicians, industry professionals and fans to come alongside the nonprofit to address substance use together, with the goal of providing one million people impacted by substance use with a new solution.
“There are now more than 40 million people suffering from substance use disorder in the U.S.,” says Jacki Hillios, PhD, deputy executive director for The Phoenix. “Virtually all Americans are impacted by this issue, so we are calling on people from all backgrounds to join us as we support one million people to rise above addiction and live life to the fullest.”
Photo: Hugo L. Casanova
