CHRISTINE ORTOLL CHARITY
OUR MISSION
We are committed to creating media about mental health and substance use disorders, that are educational and inspiring, so our audience can feel empowered to take control of their lives, find the support they need and move forward with hope.
OUR STORY
Founded by Michael Ortoll in 2021, his daughter, Christine, battled substance use disorder and mental health issues for ten years. During this time Michael and his family left no stone unturned as they fought alongside Christine, turning to over 20 recovery centers and countless experts for help along the way.
She achieved sobriety for nearly three years, until her final relapse and resulting death via synthetic opioid overdose. It was Christine’s wish in her own words:
“I do not want to be defined by my disease but remembered for helping those with it”.
OUR VISION
To transform the lives of those affected by mental illness and substance abuse so they can seek recovery and thrive.
OUR MEDIA
Our feature documentary, called “One Second at a Time: Battling the Monster of Addiction" shares Christine Ortoll's struggle for recovery, told from her own journals, treatment experts, family and friends.
To date, our film has earned over forty five film festival awards and has made a big impact in helping those who suffer from substance abuse, &/or mental illness, and their loved ones.
This will be available on major streaming platforms in Q2 of 2024.
INITIATIVES
COLLEGE RECOVERY PROGRAMS
Our focus is on college students as they total 21 million today and per the latest CASA study, 24% of them meet the definition of substance abuse, yet less than 5% of all colleges have an effective recovery program in place.
The leading cause of death for them are drug overdose.
"Safety Net: Helping College Students in Recovery Thrive " is a showcase of the successful college recovery community we helped build, at my alma mater, Florida State University (FSU) so we can help our future leaders thrive in life in a supportive and safe environment for those students who are seeking recovery,
Our college recovery community at FSU is called LIFT (Living Intentionally, Finding Togetherness).
In our first year, LIFT engaged with over 1,000 students. Research shows students that participate in college recovery are more apt to have higher graduation rates, higher GPAs, are less likely to relapse and have a greater likelihood of continuing to thrive in society.
It is our charity's desire to make this a reality at every college campus in the US.
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PREVENTION & EDUCATION
In early childhood we need to better inform parents, teachers, and pediatricians, on the causes of childhood trauma, so we can help prevent chronic diseases, such as addiction and raise children which are emotionally, mentally and physically healthy.
Adverse Childhood Experiences are traumatic events that occur during childhood. They have lasting, negative effects on health, well-being, and opportunity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood.”
The problem is most people are unaware of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how they lead to toxic stress and lifelong problems with wellness, and learning.
Over 2/3 of all children in the US are affected by ACEs and 1 out of 8 adults has 4 or more ACEs. This issue is embedded in our society and unfortunately worsening. As the number of ACEs increases, so does the risk for negative health outcomes, both physical and psychological.
Our aim is to educate parents, teachers and children so we can deal with these in a healthy way early, since the leading two are divorce and economic hardship which impact over half of all children in the US.
A PERSON WITH 4
OR MORE ACE's IS
2.4x
More likely to have a stroke.
1.9x
More likely to have cancer.
12x
More likely to attempt suicide.
7x
More likely to be an alcoholic.
FACTS
Drug Overdose
is the
Leading Cause of Death
for
18 to 45
Year Olds.
Synthetic opioids account for 2/3 of all overdose fatalities.
* Source: NIDA
1 of 2
People know
someone who suffers from substance use disorder.
23 million Americans suffer from substance use disorder (SUD), yet less than 10% of them receive help due to its stigma, cost, and finding appropriate treatment for their disease.
Per research, each one of them affects an average of 7 family members and close friends, which means that one of every two of us knows someone who suffers from SUD.
*Source: SAMHSA & PEW GROUP
70%
Of all pills confiscated by the DEA in 2022 had a lethal dose of synthetic opioids; which are now in all drugs and 50-100 times stronger than ever. Its newer versions are more fatal.
* Source: DEA
Doctors and nurse practitioners receive appropriate addiction education. We need better training, beginning with pediatricians so we can treat mental health issues early.
*Source: AMA
1 in 4
Of all addictions start in adolescence. Teens who learn the risks of drugs from parents are 50% less likely to use drugs..
*Source: SAMHSA & NIH
90%
MANY TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS
Buy drugs online via social media apps.
*Source: DEA & NIH
DONORS
MIKE ORTOLL FAMILY
