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Saratoga Hospital Taking Steps to Battle Addiction One Hike at Time
Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital and Adirondack Trust Company introduce the Above and Beyond Challenge to raise funds for the addiction medicine program.
Helping an addict to recover is often a series of steps taken one at a time, and Saratoga Hospital is taking that quite literally in its new hike fundraising campaign, the Above and Beyond Challenge, presented by the Adirondack Trust Company. The Challenge encourages businesses and individuals to take advantage of the scenic geography of Upstate N.Y. All the while raising funds and awareness for the addiction medicine program at the Saratoga Community Health Center.
This new program features volunteer-led hikes up peaks across the Adirondacks – including the 46 High Peaks, the Lake George Twelve Peaks and the Saranac Six Peaks. The hikes are free and will include a committed adherence to responsible hiking with respect to the natural beauty and protection of the trails.
The Above and Beyond Challenge is the brainchild of Stephan R. von Schenk, president and CEO of The Adirondack Trust Company and former chair of the Saratoga Foundation Board. Von Schenk is an avid hiker and outdoorsman.
“The disease of addiction is heartbreaking for all involved,” von Schenk said.
“I had heard success stories of addiction and the power of outdoor exercise to heal, so I thought, why not incorporate the beauty of the Adirondacks with addiction and let these mountains do what they have done for centuries, provide spiritual and physical healing for all,” he added.
He reached out to Saratoga Hospital for help, and the foundation was quick to assist. So was the business community. Not only was The Adirondack Trust Company fully supportive as lead sponsor, but within a day of von Schenk reaching out, Roohan Realty agreed to be the T-shirt sponsor.
“The response is exciting and we hope this momentum will encourage people to come out to support addiction treatment, as well as enjoy these beautiful mountains with responsible hiking that will keep these trails a treasure for generations to come,” von Schenk said.
Like so many counties across the state and nation, Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties face escalating numbers of families struggling with substance use disorders and addiction, impacting an estimated 17,689 children and adults in Saratoga County alone. There is strong, research-based evidence that correlates hiking or other outdoor activity with more successful addiction program outcomes.The Above and Beyond Challenge is an opportunity for patients to introduce adventure therapy into their treatment plan.
“We haven’t even reached the tipping point of the opioid crisis yet,” said Joshua Zamer, MD, medical director of the addiction medicine program at Saratoga Community Health Center.
“The funds raised by the Above and Beyond Challenge will help us continue to expand our addiction medicine program to meet rapidly emerging needs. I can’t tell you how grateful we are for The Adirondack Trust Company’s support for the Challenge,” he added.
“It was just such a great idea. We were thrilled to work with Steve to create the Above and Beyond Challenge,” said Amy Raimo, Vice President of community engagement and Executive Director of the Saratoga Hospital Foundation.
“There are hikes available for every level – beginner to expert – all led by volunteers with personal experience of those trails. We have no doubt the community will embrace the Above and Beyond Challenge to support the addiction medicine program. And there are some great sponsorship opportunities available, too,” she added.
Donations are encouraged, but hikes are free and registration is required. The hikes are taking place June through September and are open to individuals, patients, and groups.
For more information about becoming a sponsor, call Saratoga Hospital Foundation at 518-583- 8340. To learn more about the Above and Beyond Challenge or to register for a hike, please visit aboveandbeyondchallenge.org.
