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MOMSTELL was founded after the tragic death of Sharon Smith's daughter Angela to a heroin
overdose. Less than two years after her daughters' February 1998 death,
she located and met with a small group of moms one Saturday afternoon to discuss the idea of working together to create this
organization. Like herself, they had all been devastated by the disease of
addiction and wanted to work together for positive change regarding
substance abuse treatment issues. 2010 marks marks the tenth year of MOMSTELL and the journey continues as they
expand their outreach to parents and families.
"As a parent who has lost a child to drug addiction, I understand the barriers faced when trying to locate treatment for a loved one. I know what
it is like to feel alone, desperate and with no where to turn for help. MOMSTELL exists because no family should face the disease of addiction alone..... This
web site was created in order to join concerned parents and family members, encouraging them to work
together for positive change regarding substance abuse issues. We strive to be a quality resource by providing links to information regarding substance abuse treatment,
recovery, education, prevention legislation and policy issues." Sharon Smith
MOMSTELL envisions a time when substance abuse family involvement is embedded into
the treatment plan of individuals, communities, counties, states and
the federal government. We want to see the stigma surrounding the disease of
addiction drastically reduced and ultimately eliminated. Recovery needs to be within the grasp of every individual who seeks it. We
want to offer support to those families devastated by the disease of
addiction and encouragement to those parents who want to become
involved in advocating for their child before another life is lost."
A Message from Sharon Smith
Our heart and passion for the work of MOMSTELL is to see families helped, to see lives changed and the hope of recovery
become a reality for all who choose it. This work is a tribute not only to my daughter but to the
sons and daughters of all those who were, are, or will be touched by the disease
of addiction.
In order to effect positive
change in the substance abuse treatment system we must speak up and out. Parents who share
their stories, and speak out, are crucial to this family movement. Our hope is that you will obtain the tools you need to feel confident
enough to get involved in grass roots advocacy. Drug and alcohol policy issues need our
immediate attention. We need a voice at the "policy tables" and in decision-making regarding
our children's
treatment.
In order to make a difference, you just have to pick up a pen to write a letter, make a phone call
to your local policy makers or call or write to your local Representative or Senator.
Educating your policy makers and legislators about what is happening in their
local districts is
critical. We can make an impact on treatment, recovery, education,
policy-making and legislation by just getting involved at whatever
level we can!
Angela's Story
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