Mobilize Recovery Announces Jelly Roll and Melissa Etheridge as Co-Chairs for 2025 College “Campus Surge” Initiative

Mobilize Recovery
/April 15, 2025
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National Effort to Launch Fall 2025 College Tour and Day of Service Convening Hundreds of Addiction Recovery Organizations with Keystone Sponsors Meta, iHeartMedia, Indivior, Braeburn, and SAMHSA's Opioid Response Network.

Las Vegas, NV – Mobilize Recovery, a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering communities impacted by addiction and overdose, has announced that Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Jelly Roll will serve as co-chair for the Mobilize Recovery Campus Surge 2025 Initiative. He will be joined by returning co-chair, singer and songwriter Melissa Etheridge, and honorary co-chair, 2022 American Idol winner and country music singer Noah Thompson. Championship college football coach Scott Cochran, a person in long-term recovery, along with Sheriff Karl Leonard of Chesterfield County, VA’s Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) jail-based recovery program, will also participate as co-chairs.

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, is committed to raising awareness about addiction, mental health, and criminal justice reform, aligning with Mobilize Recovery’s mission to empower communities in addressing the overdose crisis. His authentic and resonant music, including multi-platinum singles such as "Son of a Sinner" and "Dead Man Walking," has garnered him a devoted fan base. Beyond his musical success, Jelly Roll actively uses his platform to advocate for change and support those affected by these critical issues. He frequently visits prisons and treatment centers to share his personal story and inspire others on their path to recovery.

Melissa Etheridge returns as a co-chair for 2025, bringing her continued enthusiasm and support to the organization. Her commitment to the recovery community grew following the tragic loss of her son. "Our young people are the future, and their well-being is paramount," said Etheridge. "That's why I'm so proud to co-chair Mobilize Recovery for a third year. By working directly with local communities, this effort provides critical resources needed to support the next generation in their journey towards recovery from addiction and mental health challenges. It's an honor to be part of such a meaningful and impactful project.”

Ryan Hampton, co-founder of Mobilize Recovery, commented, "Jelly Roll’s authenticity and dedication to destigmatization make him an ideal partner for this initiative. We are confident that he will connect with individuals on a profound level and empower them to become leaders within their communities. Melissa Etheridge’s ongoing involvement has been invaluable, and we are delighted to have her continue with us this year.”

Garrett Hade, also a co-founder of Mobilize Recovery, added, "We’re incredibly excited to welcome Jelly Roll as co-chair. His powerful voice and personal experience will undoubtedly inspire individuals and communities—and amplify our message of hope and recovery.”

The 2025 Mobilize Recovery initiative will feature Day of Service events hosted by numerous non-profit organizations nationwide. These events will focus on raising awareness, promoting prevention, improving access to care, and fostering empathy within their respective communities. Additionally, events will be held on college campuses across the country to highlight campus-based treatment and recovery programs designed to support students. These programs, developed over decades, have provided guidance to countless students in navigating sobriety while addressing the unique challenges of a college environment. Participating schools and event dates will be announced at the beginning of the summer.

“I am beyond humbled and honored to be part of Mobilize Recovery and this team of fighters. I have been at the frontlines of this opioid epidemic for over a decade now—and the greatest good we can do is to get those suffering from the disease of addiction into lifelong recovery. This initiative, which targets some of the most vulnerable ages, is a giant step forward,” commented Sheriff Karl Leonard of Chesterfield County’s HARP Program.

“iHeartMedia is pleased to continue its partnership with Mobilize Recovery by supporting their groundbreaking 2025 College Initiative,” stated Alexandra Cameron, EVP Unified Partnerships at iHeartMedia. “The next generation is crucial to a brighter future, and supporting collegiate recovery is essential. With nearly 20% of college students meeting the criteria for a substance use disorder and a significant percentage reporting depressive symptoms, the need for accessible recovery resources on campuses is urgent. We are committed to amplifying Mobilize Recovery's mission and bringing hope and support to students nationwide.”

The Mobilize Recovery Campus Surge 2025 Initiative will implement educational events, town halls, and awareness campaigns throughout the nation. In collaboration with End Overdose, Mobilize Recovery aims to provide individuals with the necessary knowledge, resources, and support to address the overdose and mental health crisis. The initiative will focus on community empowerment by providing resources and training to strengthen local efforts, breaking down stigma through events and campaigns to foster understanding and support, and advocacy by mobilizing communities to promote policies that support expanded access to treatment and aid long-term recovery.

Mobilize Recovery is also partnering with keystone sponsors including Meta, iHeartMedia, Indivior, Braeburn, and SAMHSA's Opioid Response Network, to enhance the reach and impact of the 2025 initiative. These partnerships will leverage social media, technology, and broadcasting to disseminate vital information, connect individuals with resources, and inspire action on a national scale.

“Meta is proud of our longstanding support of Mobilize Recovery and their vital work in the recovery community and around education, prevention, and harm reduction,” said Neil Potts, VP of Product Policy at Meta. “We all need to do our part to tackle this ongoing challenge. Meta is committed to standing alongside Mobilize Recovery in building a healthier future for this generation and the next.”

Additional sponsors and key community stakeholders include the State of Nevada DHHS, X, Inseparable, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Behavioral Health Group (BHG), OneBox, Bicycle Health, Partnership to End Addiction, Shatterproof, Truth Initiative, Arnall Golden Gregory, NAATP, Herren Project, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, CCAPP, McShin Foundation, Brightn, Discovery Institute for Addictive Disorders, Poplar Wellness, Hazelden Betty Ford, Caron Treatment Centers, Oxford House, Kennedy Forum, Association of Recovery in Higher Education, Young People in Recovery, End Overdose, and Overdrive.

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We’re dedicated to ending America’s addiction & overdose crisis, one voice at a time.