Irsay Pledges $1M for Addiction Services
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has pledged $1 million to the IU Health Foundation. According to officials, the donation will be used by Indiana University Health to boost access to addiction services for people in need across the state.
IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie each offer the services of “embedded” peer recovery coaches, who help others in their recovery. Peer recovery coach services are also available 24/7 statewide through virtual visits.
Peer recovery coaching will also be implemented in the IU Health system in primary care settings to further increase access to addiction services.
IU Health will also use the gift to expand access to adolescent addiction services. It will provide a virtual access to the ENCOMPASS program, an evidence-based therapy program for kids and teens who are battling substance abuse and mental health disorders.
“Addiction is terribly difficult for everyone involved, and it’s important that people aren’t shamed by this disease, because shame kills,” Irsay said. “IU Health has a tremendous program, and we are committed to partnering with them to address this problem across Indiana.”
A portion of the gift will also be matched from funding set aside by the IU Health Foundation Board of Directors to target our state’s most critical health needs.