The United States is facing an opioid epidemic. Nearly half of US adults
have been impacted by substance abuse
problems
in their families. And despite national and global campaigns over the last 50
years to combat drug use, the number of drug overdose deaths was still four
times higher in 2018 than in 1999, according to the US Centers for Disease
Control. But one company is making a difference.
In 2018, HMTX Industries, a family of luxury vinyl tile
brands, founded Halstead/Metroflor Addiction Crisis
(HMAC) — a nonprofit providing rehabilitation
“scholarships” and support to families who otherwise would not be financially
able to help their loved ones suffering from substance addiction disorders.
“Addiction is decimating our communities nationwide — no city or town is immune
to its effects,” said Paul Eanes, Metroflor Corporation VP of Business
Development and HMAC Program Chair. “The statistics are staggering. It’s likely
we all know someone who has or is currently struggling with addiction, whether
we are aware of it or not.”
HMTX’s support of this cause is a unique example of how companies are committing
themselves to social
sustainability
— an important component of the corporate social responsibility model.
For this reason, HMAC was recently recognized as a recipient of the 2020 Social
Impact
Award
by the Vinyl Sustainability
Council (VSC) — a
self-funded business council advancing sustainability in the vinyl industry. The
award recognizes the efforts of a VSC member that has demonstrated a strong
commitment to community well-being and longevity. This annual award acknowledges
outstanding projects or programs that address a social concern utilizing a
company’s resources to have a positive impact.
“HMTX’s efforts are having a profound impact on building a sustainable
community,” said VSC Executive Director Jay Thomas. “They are transforming
the lives of dozens of people suffering from substance abuse disorders. I
applaud them for taking a lead within our industry to battle this crisis.”
Through a variety of fundraising events, HMAC is more than halfway to its goal
of raising $500,000, which it intends to accomplish by the end of 2021. Each
dollar raised is also being matched by HMTX’s founders, the Stone Family,
for a total of $1 million. The $234,000 raised to date has funded more than 25
rehabilitation scholarships. To learn more or to contribute to their goal,
visit their website.
Get the latest insights, trends, and innovations to help position yourself at the forefront of sustainable business leadership—delivered straight to your inbox.
Vinyl Sustainability Council
Published Jan 8, 2021 7am EST / 4am PST / 12pm GMT / 1pm CET