Project 25’s Objective Is Whole Body Wellness

Rockland Independent Living Center (RILC) aims to improve the understanding of whole body wellness for countering the deaths of individuals with mental and substance abuse issues 25 years earlier than the average person. It launched its “Project 25 – Live Longer” initiative on Wednesday in West Nyack.  

RILC developed “Project 25 – Live Longer” to educate those dealing with these issues and the professionals working with them about the need to look at a more comprehensive approach rather than just medications.   

Project 25’s centerpiece is a documentary called “Heart and Soul” which features people who have recovered or in recovery, sharing their experiences.  They include Ted Williams, who had lived on the streets of Columbus, OH for 17 years. During the program he announced he had been sober for two years as of May 4.  

Williams known as “The Golden Voice” gained national attention after he was discovered homeless and abusing drugs and then went into recovery and began working doing voice-overs and talking about his experiences.  

Llewellyn Cummings and Levi Riddick also speak candidly in the film about their struggles with substance abuse, attempted suicide and bipolar disorders. They persevered and are now professional peer counselors mentoring others in recovery.   

“Recovery is something that happens when you’re ready for it,” said Riddick.   Cummings, who survived a suicide attempt at age 35, said, “I knew I had to figure out how to live.”  

The film, which was funded by a federal grant, premiered in April at the NYC Mental Health Film Festival and has been nominated for a SAMHSA Voice Award.   Project 25 includes steps that can be taken to help recovery. The average man lives to age 77. Williams, who is almost 57, noted that he would likely not have survived if he had not started getting treatment and going to doctors.  

The documentary emphasized most people with mental health and substance abuse problems have cardiovascular conditions and a higher percentage smoke than the average population. They frequently drink too much alcohol, eat poorly and do not get exercise.    

RILC Executive Director George Hoehmann said steps include family and community engagement in dealing with the issues, adding that there are more than 25 possible steps but these are the ones counselors found the most effective.  

“What’s unique is a peer approach,” he said in describing the program, which includes the film DVD, seminar guide, workbooks, posters and bracelets. It is designed for individuals dealing with these issues and the professionals working with them and as a health education and prevention tool.  

RILC’s Director of Mental Health Recovery/Program Development Andy Kohlbrenner said there are plans to bring national awareness to the Project 25 program.  

“We’re looking to really bring this to a national campaign,” he said. “It really spans beyond mental health and substance abuse.”  

RILC hopes to take the Project 25 Seminar In A Box, which is available online, to college campuses, show the video and hold panel discussions. A mobile app for whole body wellness and recovery is being planned.  

Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski favored the approach that advocates moving away from prescriptions and treating the root of the problem.  

“I like how we’re talking about wellness in a holistic perspective,” he said.