Registration is open for the Above & Beyond Challenge, presented by the Adirondack Trust Co., in which area hikers will help raise awareness and generate funds to support the Saratoga Community Health Center’s Addiction Medicine Program.
Nearly 18,000 children and adults in Saratoga County have been estimated to be struggling with substance use disorders and addiction, according to program officials.
The physician-led Saratoga Community Health Center’s Addiction Medicine Program launched in 2017 and is fully integrated into the center’s primary care and behavioral health services.
The challenge is the brainchild of Stephan von Schenk, president and CEO of Adirondack Trust and former chairman of the Saratoga Foundation Board.
“We’ve all been touched by the addiction crisis in some way,” von Schenk said, “and we are grateful to the numerous hikers and sponsors who stepped up last year to show their support. We’re confident there will be even more hikers this year, beginners and experts alike. Together, we can all do our part to help local families overcome their struggles with addiction.”
Last year, the inaugural challenge featured 36 hikes with more than 100 participants and 31 sponsors raising over $61,000 for the program.
“Addiction medicine care can include medications combined with behavioral health therapies for a whole-person approach to the treatment of substance use disorders,” said Dr. Renée Rodriguez-Goodemote, medical director of Saratoga Community Health Center. “Led by Dr. Joshua Zamer, the comprehensive program has provided beneficial results to more than 400 patients and their families, but there are countless others in need of this treatment. Funds raised this summer through the Above & Beyond Challenge will go a long way toward helping us meet that need.”
The challenge provides sponsors and participants an opportunity to support these efforts, but it also encourages businesses and individuals to take advantage of the scenic geography and fresh air of Upstate New York. In respect to that natural beauty and protection of the trails, the challenge does require that hikers adhere to responsible hiking principles.
Hikes will take place through September and are open to individuals, patients, and groups of all experience levels.
Donations are encouraged, but the hikes are free and registration is required. Upon completing online registration for a hike at aboveandbeyondchallenge.org, a peer-to-peer fundraising page is generated.
Donations of $100 will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt sponsored by Roohan Realty.
