Maxwell F. Baker Foundation

Maxwell F. Baker died on December 28, 2016, at the age of twenty-three.  As an adolescent, he had battled the disease of  addiction, but through courage and profound determination, he had found sobriety during the last two years of his life.  Until the time of his death, Max was deeply in love, full of energy, recording new music, and building his future.  However, he was severely injured in a car accident shortly after Thanksgiving, and following surgery he relapsed in search of relief from his pain.  Max was in his third year of college when he died, and had recently changed his major to pre-med studies with the goal of becoming a physician specializing in addiction therapy.   This non-profit foundation was formed in Max's memory and is dedicated to fulfill Max's dream of helping people with substance use disorders in finding acceptance, guidance, and support as they seek recovery.  In the last days before his death, Max and his family discussed an article in the New England Journal of Medicine written by the Surgeon General titled "Ending the Opioid Epidemic - A Call to Action."  Max offered his thoughts about what vital actions can be taken right now:

-  EDUCATE THE PUBLIC that addiction is a public health problem that deserves compassion
-  GUIDE SUBSTANCE USERS to medical treatment referral options and supportive care near them
-  TRAIN THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY to recognize and treat persons with a substance use disorder
-  PROVIDE NALOXONE to shelters, schools, first responders and opioid users and their families
-  SUPPORT RECOVERING SUBSTANCE USERS with treatment, clothing, food, and work opportunities
-  HELP FAMILIES to find professional care and support for themselves and their loved ones
-  ESTABLISH A VOLUNTEER "HOTLINE" for 24 hour support and treatment referral

Maxwell's obituary and a story about his brief life are here:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/telegram/obituary.aspx?pid=183270277

http://www.telegram.com/news/20170105/dianne-williamson-statistics-hid-humanity-behind-drug-addiction