Shatterproof and Northstar Travel Group Focus on Addiction Awareness, Transforming the Hospitality Sector in North America’s Tourism Industry
In an industry impacted by substance use disorder at twice the rate of others, Northstar Travel Group and Shatterproof, a leading national nonprofit addressing addiction treatment and stigma, have launched a transformative partnership. Together, they aim to educate and engage the hospitality and travel sectors on addressing this critical public health challenge.
Industry Under Pressure
Substance use disorder disproportionately affects workers in the hospitality and travel industry, with recent reports from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration highlighting the highest rates of substance use disorder among employees in accommodations and food services. The newly announced collaboration seeks to bring life-saving resources to an industry struggling with these challenges.
“Northstar is taking our support of Shatterproof to the next level,” said Gary Mendell, founder and CEO of Shatterproof. “This partnership will not only offer access to resources for those impacted but will also engage the broader industry to rally behind a public health crisis affecting countless individuals and families.”
Engaging the Industry
Through this partnership, Northstar Travel Group will leverage its robust portfolio of 28 brands and 100+ annual events to amplify the conversation around substance use disorder. The initiative will feature monthly educational campaigns focusing on topics such as the dangers of fentanyl, understanding alcohol use disorder, and accessing treatment resources like Shatterproof’s Treatment Atlas, a tool designed to guide individuals toward effective and evidence-based care.
“At Northstar Travel Group, we recognize the critical impact of substance use disorder on our workforce and are committed to addressing this issue head-on,” said Bob Sullivan, Chief Commercial Officer and President of Northstar Travel Group. “By partnering with Shatterproof, we are providing the hospitality and travel community with essential resources, fostering a more resilient and supportive industry.”
Key Events and Milestones
The collaboration will culminate in high-profile industry events, including the America’s Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) in January 2025. During the summit, a dedicated panel will bring substance use disorder to the forefront of industry discussions. Additionally, Shatterproof’s annual Hospitality Heroes Reception will honor a hospitality executive making significant contributions to combating addiction in the sector.
Gary Mendell, a former hotelier and co-founder of HEI Hotels & Resorts, created the Hospitality Heroes Reception after losing his son to addiction. Over the past decade, the event has raised more than $5 million for Shatterproof’s mission and united over 100 hotel companies and 500 employees in support of addiction awareness and treatment.
Shatterproof’s Mission
Founded with a vision to transform the way addiction is treated in the United States, Shatterproof has become a trusted resource for families navigating the complexities of substance use disorders. The organization’s initiatives focus on:
- Education: Informing the public about prevention, treatment, and recovery.
- Stigma Reduction: Promoting understanding to break down barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help.
- Access to Care: Providing tools like the Treatment Atlas to connect individuals with evidence-based treatment options.
Through partnerships with organizations like Northstar Travel Group, Shatterproof continues to expand its impact, ensuring that individuals and families affected by addiction receive the support they need.
Northstar Travel Group’s Commitment
As the leading B2B media company in the global travel industry, Northstar Travel Group is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change. With a network that spans 1.4 million industry professionals across 14 media brands and operations in 13 countries, Northstar is committed to using its influence to address substance use disorder at an industry-wide level.
“We are proud to stand with Shatterproof in this mission,” added Sullivan. “Together, we can bring much-needed awareness and resources to an industry that plays a vital role in global travel and tourism.”
Looking Ahead
The partnership between Shatterproof and Northstar Travel Group represents a significant step toward addressing substance use disorder in the hospitality and travel industries. By combining Shatterproof’s expertise with Northstar’s expansive reach, the initiative aims to reduce stigma, improve access to care, and foster a healthier, more supportive environment for industry professionals.
The post Shatterproof and Northstar Travel Group Focus on Addiction Awareness, Transforming the Hospitality Sector in North America’s Tourism Industry appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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