(October 2026) — The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) is inviting individuals, organizations, affiliates, partners, and communities across the country to participate in its annual #StandWithMarty campaign, honoring the birthday and enduring legacy of NCADD founder Marty Mann.
Marty Mann was born on October 15 and became one of the most influential voices in changing how America understood alcoholism. In 1944, she founded the National Committee for Education on Alcoholism, which later became the National Council on Alcoholism and eventually the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.
At a time when alcoholism was widely viewed as a moral failing, Mann advanced a different message: alcoholism is a health issue, recovery is possible, and individuals and families deserve education, treatment, understanding, and hope.
“#StandWithMarty is an opportunity to celebrate Marty’s remarkable legacy and recommit to the principles she spent her life advancing,” said Denise L. Kolivoski, MBA, Executive Director of NCADD. “More than 80 years after she began this work, her message of education, treatment, recovery, and hope remains deeply relevant.”
Each year, #StandWithMarty encourages people and organizations to recognize Marty Mann’s contributions, share campaign messages, and help introduce a new generation to her work.
The campaign calls on participants to:
Stand for education instead of stigma.
Stand for treatment instead of judgment.
Stand for individuals and families affected by addiction.
Stand for the belief that recovery is possible.
Participants are encouraged to share #StandWithMarty on and around October 15 and include #NCADD and #NCADDNational so NCADD can recognize and amplify their support.
Today, NCADD continues Marty Mann’s legacy through its nationwide network, working to educate communities, reduce stigma, promote prevention, support treatment and recovery, and advocate for individuals and families affected by alcohol and other drug use.
Learn more about Marty Mann’s accomplishments and explore the timeline of her work and NCADD’s history at: https://ncaddnational.org/about-ncadd/