Lindsay's social impact initiative “Prescription for Change: Addiction Prevention, Treatment, & Recovery” is dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. This initiative was crafted from the responsibility that she felt to fight this crisis head on after growing up in a household with substance abuse. From this environment, Lindsay was able to see the amazing journey from pain and addiction to passion and purpose and how recovery can change lives, and not only the user’s life, but their loved ones and entire communities. Growing up, she thought that her story was uniquely isolating from everyone else, but unfortunately that’s not the case. There are over 20 million children in the United States with a parent who struggles with a substance use disorder. The good news that Lindsay shares with everyone, is that this disease is treatable, and she know this because she is the daughter of a parent in recovery.
Recovery is not only Lindsay's career - but her life, passion, and purpose and encompasses almost every aspect of her life. Outside of the confines of 9-5, she is partnered with multiple local and national organizations all synergistic with her social impact initiative and moving the needle on the addiction crisis. Most recently, Lindsay was appointed to serve on the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention State Advisory Group where she will have the opportunity and responsibility of providing guidance in support of DJJ's federally funded activities, while also engaging with the department in the implementation and monitoring of its strategic priorities which are focused on building stronger youth, stronger families, and safer communities. In 2019, Lindsay was named a brand ambassador for Real Talk, a joint initiative with Advanced Recovery Systems and the Miss Florida Organization, aimed to educate high school and college aged students about the effects of substance abuse. Through group assemblies, she have the opportunity to engage with students and encourage them to ask questions about substance abuse, share their experiences without guilt or fear, and embrace healthy habits for their future. In March of 2021 she was named brand ambassador of the month for having booked the most amount of presentations to date. To book a Real Talk presentation for your school or community organization, click here!
As an active member of the Orange County Drug Free Coalition's Youth & Education, Treatment Team, and Higher Education Committees, Lindsay has had the opportunity to work alongside Central Florida's finest advocates, doctors, treatment providers, educators, law enforcement, and countless others all dedicated to addiction prevention, education, enforcement, and treatment. Some of the initiatives she has collaborated on include: providing funding to Orange County Schools for alcohol and drug prevention deliverables, the creation of an overdose map to better locate at risk communities, prescription take back days, naloxone distribution, a 24 hour telethon, and many more life saving projects.
As a firm believer of investing in the future, Lindsay is extremely proud to be a volunteer of Florida Recovery Schools of Central Florida. The creation of this schools will increase the level of support for adolescents in recovery. Anticipated to open within the 2020-2021 school year, the school will provide access to the resources necessary to be successful to thrive in their recovery while continuing to work towards earning their high school diploma. The research shows that students who attend a recovery high school post treatment reduces their risk of a recurrence by 40% . She was honored to be named their first volunteer spotlight for my work with the organization and I am excited for not only this school in Central Florida, but for the expansion of recovery schools across the entire state. To learn more or to make a donation, click here!
Lindsay also serve as an ambassador for two different non-profit organizations; Shatterproof and Natural High. As a Shatterproof ambassador, she is part of a national network of volunteer peer leaders, educating and empowering others to learn about and support their mission of reversing the addiction crisis. The organization, Natural High, provides her the opportunity to help fight America's number 1 public health problem, adolescent substance abuse. Lindsay encourages youth to thrive by protecting them on the outside and igniting their passions on the inside, therefore, delaying and preventing drug use. In June of 2021, Lindsay began her partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Central Florida YMCA's to integrate Natural High's curriculum into their weekly summer programming sessions. To contact her about these organizations, click here!
Now, more than ever, is the time to support those who are struggling. Everyone knows someone who is affected by this disease and you can make a difference. Reach out, provide resources, be a part of their support team. The reality is that 192 people die everyday from overdose, and that number is going to rise as COVID spreads. Online alcohol sales have increased 243% and in-store sales have jumped by up to 70% for certain types of alcohol. It is imperative that we don’t allow social distancing to become social isolation and Lindsay challenges each of you to create a sense of community during this unprecedented time. You never know who is struggling or affected by addiction. She was and will always be someone who was impacted by addiction, and her mission is that no one has to go through this journey alone and without proper guidance guidance.
