INDIANAPOLIS — Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts owner and CEO, announced he would be gifting $1 million to the IU Health Foundation to help increase access to addiction services for Indiana residents.
Two in three Hoosiers know someone who is struggling with addiction, according to an IU Health study conducted in 2018. Irsay is seeking to help expand access to addiction treatment statewide.
“Addiction is terribly difficult for everyone involved, and it’s important that people aren’t shamed by this disease, because shame kills,” Irsay said. “IU Health has a tremendous program, and we are committed to partnering with them to address this problem across Indiana.”
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IU Health has recently launched five regional addiction treatment recovery centers across the state, where group, individual, and cognitive behavioral therapy are offered to Hoosier patients. According to the organization, completion rates within the programs are above 90%, well above the national average of 40%.
“Providing quality care for Hoosiers experiencing addiction is a priority for IU Health,” Karen Amstutz, IU Health Vice President of Community Health, said. “We have built a statewide infrastructure that enables us to reach people even in remote rural sections of Indiana. This gift will be instrumental in getting help to people who need it.”
