The Problem - Our Solution
The Problem
Rates of mental illness and substance addiction in the U.S. are very high and have been trending upward (SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), as have rates of suicide and drug overdose deaths. A recent SAMHSA survey estimates that in any given year nearly 20%, or 1 in 5, Americans suffer from mental illness, and over 14% suffer from addiction. These rates are widely believed to be even higher among motorcyclists (Obadeji, et al., 2021; Sharwood, et al., 2021), who are often drawn to motorcycle riding precisely because of the mental health benefits it provides. There is a large body of research that has established that motorcycle riding, often referred to as “throttle therapy” and considered a type of “self-medication,” can significantly improve mental health (Vaughn, et al., 2021). However, for many people who suffer from mental health conditions or addictions, even those who ride, “self-medication” isn’t enough. They need treatment.
Stigma is one of the most significant barriers to accessing mental health and addiction treatment services. Stigma not only influences how people with mental illness and addictions are viewed by society, but it leads to discriminatory practices in health care, which inhibits help-seeking. The tragic results often include persistent and progressive suffering, and even death. These conditions are not only experienced by the individual, but also significantly impact their families, employers, communities, and society at large.
Clearly, stigma reduction is not simply a noble endeavor, but is necessary in order to preserve
the rights, dignity, health and safety of people suffering from mental health conditions and
addictions. Fortunately, research has established that effective stigma reduction efforts can be
incredibly successful at improving access to health care and clinical outcomes (Mehta, et al., 2015;
Hanisch et al., 2016).
Our Solution
The Remix Racing Project, Inc. is a non-profit organization comprised of a team of motorcycle racing enthusiasts who share a passion for their sport, and a commitment to fighting mental health and addiction stigma. All team members have lived experience with either mental health challenges and/or problematic substance use, and embody our 3 core values: Honor, Integrity, and Compassion. The Remix Racing Project hosts people surviving mental illness or addiction, or allies in in the fight against stigma, as guests at our racing events. We firmly believe in the therapeutic value of racing, but more generally in the very exciting, inspiring, and social bonding experience of attending a racing event, and being immersed in the positive vibes of the racing community. We proudly partner with various organizations with aligned objectives to help amplify our stigma fighting message, to raise awareness, and dispute the inaccurate stereotypes perpetuated by stigma, as well as to encourage greater understanding and compassion in our communities.
Balanced with integrity on and off the track and a determination to reduce mental health and addiction stigma within the motorcycle racing community and beyond, The Remix Racing Project is able to leverage the visibility and influence of our race team, established through a variety of on- and off-track events, along with a strong social media presence.
Individuals Served – Our services will cater to two groups; (1) those
from the general public and (2) motorcyclists. Neither of these groups is monolithic. They are highly diverse groups, full of "everyday people," and therefore debunk the very narrow and derogatory stereotypes associated with the stigma.
General Public - We invite people surviving mental illness or addiction, and allies in the fight against stigma, to join us at our race events. We provide our guests with general information about motorcycle racing and a race schedule, introduce them to the racers, and do everything we can to ensure they have a fun filled and exciting day. Our guests enjoy snacks and refreshments throughout the race day at our Hospitality Tent, and have the opportunity to learn about racing from our team members. They also receive a variety of gifts, as well as mental health and addiction treatment resources. The impact of our activities will be far reaching. Our partnership events will not only have visibility among the roughly 200 attendees (including racers, team members, families, friends, and spectators) at each race event, but to an
unlimited number of viewers and followers of our social media platform.
Motorcyclists - The Remix Racing Project will promote the formation of local meetings for motorcyclists, racers, and motorcycle fans, who are surviving mental illness or addiction. These will serve as a safe space that allows participants to share stories and testimonials, receive peer support and emotional validation. As these meetings are established, schedules and locations will be available on this website and publicized on our various marketing platforms, as well as at our on- and off-track events.