Darryl Strawberry and compassion toward addiction

We lead with compassion. When someone is battling a disease like addiction, our first step, our first move, is one of empathy. That’s why we were excited to meet Darryl Strawberry.

Darryl Strawberry has overcome incredible adversities. As a professional baseball player, he’s an eight-time All Star, a four-time World Series Champion, and a two-time Silver Slugger. But during his recent visit to Zucker Hillside Hospital, he made it clear that his greatest challenge came from a foe off the diamond: Addiction.

Strawberry spoke in emotional detail about his personal journey from addiction to recovery. Referencing his new book, “Don’t Give Up on Me,” Strawberry advised his audience that no matter the addiction, there is hope and possibility for anyone in search for a better life.

“We have to step up as a society,” he said, “and I want to thank everyone at this hospital who works to make life better for those who need it. Recovery is possible, but we all have to help. The people who work here in this hospital – just know that this is not a job, it’s a calling. It’s about letting every person who walks through your door know that their lives matter.”

The Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation at ZHH hosted the event that provided inspiration and empowerment to staff, peers, and clients.

“With the current opioid crisis facing our nation, presentations such as Darryl’s heighten awareness to the growing problem and the effect on our communities,” Chief Nursing Officer Marybeth McManus said. “We are grateful to those in recovery who speak up with such a positive message, and to the health care providers so committed to caring for those on the journey to recovery.”

Looking to take up arms in the battle against addiction? Zucker Hillside Hospital has open RN night positions for inpatient adult units and geropsychiatric units, and a .5 ECT day position. Previous medical experience preferred for the geropsych units and ECT.

Apply now.