Hospital slates ‘Recovery Boys’ film screening

4 years ago

CARIBOU, Maine — Cary Medical Center, in cooperation with Recovery Aroostook will host the documentary film, ‘Recovery Boys’ on Friday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. in the Chan Center at the hospital.

In the heart of America’s opioid epidemic, four men attempt to reinvent their lives and reenter society sober after years of drug abuse. Recovery Boys, from Academy Award nominated director Elaine McMillion-Sheldon, is an intimate look at the strength, brotherhood, and courage that it takes to overcome addiction and lays bare the internal conflict of recovery and the external hurdles of an unforgiving society.

The film is being screened in multiple communities across Maine thanks to a state grant through the office of Gordon Smith, Maine Opioid Response Director. The goal of the presentations is to begin community conversations around the opioid issue and how Maine communities are addressing the crisis.  Kendra Denny, who is with the Points North Institute and is the Recovery in Maine Tour Coordinator, said that the purpose of the film is to make community residents more aware of the addiction issue and the challenges or recovery.

“This film really presents the stark reality of addiction and recovery,” said Denny.  “It is our hope that communities will come to see addiction and recovery in a different light so that we can build a more supportive approach to this issue.”  

Bill Flagg, director of community relations and development at Cary Medical Center said that the hospital is pleased to host the event and that the hospital has been engaged in the recovery community over the past three years.

“In 2016, after hearing of our 16th death from drug overdose, we began working towards a community response,” said Flagg, who is a member of the Recovery Aroostook group.  “Working with Recovery Aroostook and the Aroostook Mental Health Center we have begun to develop resources for those in or seeking recovery. We hope that films like ‘Recovery Boys’ will begin to end the stigma associated with addiction and build a community that celebrates recovery.”

Individuals who would like to see the film ‘Recovery Boys’ are asked to pre-register as seating is limited.  The screening is free and open to the general public. To register call the Community Relations office at Cary Medical Center 207-498-1112.  

View the film trailer on Cary’s Facebook page or the Cary website, carymedicalcenter.org.

Submitted by the Community Relations and Development Office of Cary Medical Center.