With over a half-a-million people expected in Pittsburgh next week for the NFL Draft, two local organizations are partnering up to make sure those in substance abuse recovery have support while in town.<\/p>\n
The Onala Recovery Center and Education and Training in Addictions (IRETA) have partnered for a regional safety initiative.<\/p>\n
According to data, one in six visitors for the draft may be dealing with a substance abuse disorder.<\/p>\n
To help with those in recovery or in need of help, the nonprofits have partnered with dozens of local hotels to \u201cconnect guests with resources for recovery while they\u2019re on the road.\u201d<\/p>\n
The participating hotels will have resource cards at the front desk, with information on finding local support like recovery meetings, referral resources, crisis intervention and safe-use supplies.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith such a busy weekend ahead, we want to make sure support is easy to find,\u201d said Onala Recovery Center Executive Director Zach Benkovitz. \u201cThese resource cards are a simple way to let visitors know that they are welcome, no matter where they\u2019re from or where they are in their recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n