Addiction can have impacts well beyond the individual. That’s something Avi Israel knows well, having lost his son Michael David Israel to suicide amid Michael’s battle with opioid addiction. The tragedy prompted him and his wife to form Save the Michaels of the World, a western New York-based organization focused on helping families and individuals struggling with addiction. Israel talks with JoDee Kenney about how his son’s passing moved him to action and how his organization helps people through every stage of addiction, with services like classes about addiction, peer-to-peer recovery coaching and treatment support. He also discusses the importance of addressing the stigma around addiction and educating families about its' impact. You can learn more about Save the Michaels at savethemichaels.org. 

For help and hope 24/7, call 1-877-8-HOPENY (467369) or text HOPENY (467369). Toll-free and confidential. Visit https://oasas.ny.gov/hopeline for more information.

You can watch the full interview with Save the Michaels founder and president Avi Israel right here on our website, or on the Spectrum News App. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting Upstate New York, on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.