FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 23, 2024

Contacts: Lisa Batitto, news@drugfreenj.org

Music's Role in Healing from Opioid Use Spotlighted at Screening and Live Music Event

Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ — The Parsippany Main Library will host a screening of the documentary, “Healing a Beautiful Broken Mind,” along with live music performances from 12 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 28. The presentation, which is part of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day initiative and sponsored by Life Center Stage, focuses on the role of music in recovery from opioid use disorder.

“Healing a Beautiful Broken Mind” offers a close look at the lives of those affected by opioid use disorder and their paths to recovery. It features the story of Michael Cavallo, a musician who battled addiction for 15 years before finding his way to sobriety in 2016. Cavallo uses his music to share his experience, illustrating how creative expression can be critical to healing. At the event, Cavallo will perform original songs that reflect his journey, offering the audience a chance to connect through the themes of struggle and recovery.

“The purpose of creating an event such as this is to combat stigma and educate the wider community by engaging people with lived experience through advocacy,” said Vicky Mulligan, Life Center Stage Executive Director. “We welcome families and friends, strangers and neighbors to experience a day of entertainment through songs, visual art, poetry, personal stories, and a documentary, ‘Healing a Beautiful Broken Mind,’ bringing to light that we are in this fight together to knock out opioid abuse - Recovery is possible!”

Joining Cavallo is Anna Toby Rabinowitz, a mental health advocate and singer-songwriter. Rabinowitz brings her experience working in addiction services and her belief in the arts as a vital part of healing. She will perform her song "Invisible," which won recognition in the 2017 Knock Out Opioid Abuse Songwriters Contest. Her music speaks to the challenges of drug use and the hope found in recovery.

“I chose substances to numb my pain,” Rabinowitz said.  “My mental health struggles only fed the addiction. But I had something on my side. Love. Through others loving me until I could love myself, I found the strength to change. I found community in places like Life Center stage. I found strength in helping others and rediscovered my love for music. As I live my 12th year in recovery, I still have struggles, but I also have a community to rely on. I sing. Music heals, love heals.”

Lorraine Ferro, artistic director of Life Center Stage, will also perform. With a background as a vocalist, songwriter and artist coach, Ferro has dedicated her career to helping others find their voice through music. Her work underscores the idea that music can be a powerful tool for personal transformation and recovery.

"Music has a way of reaching people that words alone can't," said Angela Conover, Director of Opioid Response & Prevention Outreach Services at PDFNJ. "Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day is designed to raise awareness of the opioid crisis that impacts so many in New Jersey. This screening and live music event  shines a light on the help that is available and the hope for healing and recovery.”."

Speakers will include Barbara Kauffman of Prevention is Key; Life Center Stage Executive Director Vicky Mulligan; Morris Arts Director of Development Dominique Tornabe; and Chelsea Whiting, Morris County Sheriff's Officer and Hope Hub Coordinator. 

“After meeting Vicky and Lorraine from Life Center Stage and participating in the 2018 Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Songwriting Contest, I learned that I did not have to let go of my passion for music, writing, and entertaining,” Cavallo said. “Lorraine taught me that my passion could meet my purpose.”

The event will also provide resources from local organizations focused on addiction prevention and recovery, such as the Mental Health Association of Morris and Essex, MileStone House, Mental Health Association of NJ, Hope One and Life Center Stage.

To learn more about Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day, visit  KnockOutDay.DrugFreeNJ.Org

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Best known for its statewide substance use prevention advertising campaign, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a private not-for-profit coalition of professionals from the communications, corporate and government communities whose collective mission is to reduce demand for illicit drugs in New Jersey through media communication.  To date, more than $200 million in broadcast time and print space has been donated to the Partnership’s New Jersey campaign, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in New Jersey’s history. Since its inception, the Partnership has garnered 226 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional and statewide media organizations.