Matthew Perry Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital team up to fight addiction

The Matthew Perry Foundation is joining forces with Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston to combat addiction through the establishment of the "Matthew Perry Foundation Fellowship in Addiction Medicine." This new initiative aims to develop specialists and leaders in the field of addiction treatment, reflecting Perry's commitment to addressing the stigma surrounding this disease.

Dr. Sarah "SK" Kler has been named the inaugural fellow of this program, which will provide her with the expertise needed to lead efforts in addiction medicine. In a statement, the Matthew Perry Foundation expressed pride in partnering with MGH, emphasizing the importance of Perry's legacy in this crucial work against addiction.

Matthew Perry, famous for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom "Friends," tragically passed away in October 2023 due to complications related to his long-standing battle with addiction. In the memoir published shortly before his death, Perry candidly shared his struggles, detailing his reliance on painkillers during his rise to fame and advocating for greater understanding of addiction as a widespread illness.

Massachusetts General Hospital reported that around 50 million Americans grapple with addiction, a crisis that claims countless lives each year due to substance abuse. Fellowship program director Dr. Sarah Wakeman highlighted the necessity of integrating addiction treatment within the broader context of medical care, aiming for a more holistic approach.

The collaboration between the Matthew Perry Foundation and MGH is focused on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and providing hope to individuals from all walks of life who are affected by substance use disorder. This partnership aims to create a lasting impact in the fight against addiction, honoring Perry's dedication to this cause.