Pennsylvania officials are labeling the opioid overdoses as one of the most pressing public health crises confronting the state, and amidst this grim scenario, M28, a nonprofit based in Harrisburg, has emerged with a unique approach to aid individuals in their recovery from substance use disorder, drawing attention for its faith-based methodology.

Reports indicate that while the national average for individuals staying sober for a year hovers between 4% to 6%, M28 Ministry's assistance in central Pennsylvania boasts an impressive claim of a 60% one-year sobriety success rate. Today, we dug deeper into this remarkable achievement with insights from M28's Executive Director, Jimmy Schambach, and Board member, Susan Ewing Rathfon, who also holds the prestigious title of Mrs. Pennsylvania America.

In response to the crisis gripping the region, Dauphin County and Harrisburg have issued a joint public health and safety advisory, signaling the urgency of the situation. Opioid overdoses have surged, prompting state officials to highlight the gravity of the issue, characterizing it as one of the foremost public health challenges confronting the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Amidst this backdrop of despair, M28 has emerged offering a novel approach to aiding individuals grappling with substance use disorder. Situated in Harrisburg, this nonprofit organization has garnered attention for its faith-based methodology, which appears to be yielding remarkable results in the realm of addiction recovery.

While national statistics paint a bleak picture, with only a small fraction of individuals managing to maintain sobriety for a year, M28 Ministry's efforts in central Pennsylvania have yielded an astonishing 60% one-year sobriety success rate. This achievement has not gone unnoticed, prompting inquiries into the methodologies employed by M28 to achieve such exceptional outcomes.

On The Spark on Friday we had the privilege of speaking with key figures from M28: Executive Director Jimmy Schambach and Board member Susan Ewing Rathfon, who brings her perspective as Mrs. Pennsylvania America to the discussion. Together, they shed light on the innovative strategies and faith-based principles that underpin M28's approach, offering insights into how they are effectively combating the scourge of substance use disorder in their community.

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