Harold Owens

As any artist knows, mental health and creativity often have an intimate relationship. Harold Owens is a certified addiction and recovery specialist and the senior director at MusiCares; part of his life's work is to provide access to mental health resources for music industry members and their families. He shares his expertise on the inextricable connection between addiction and mental health and the remarkable story of reclaiming his own life. Harold also discusses his personal relationship with Lily's dad and the importance of advocacy.

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Originally aired NOVEMBER 9, 2020

 

For the past 31 years, Los Angeles born and raised, Harold Owens has specialized in the field of addiction and recovery. In 1996 he became the Program Director for the Exodus Treatment Center in Marina Del Rey, CA where he worked extensively with clients from entertainment, law, and business in recovery.  Mr. Owens has served as a consultant for the State of California’s Impaired Physicians Program, implementing substance abuse treatment strategies for physicians who were either mandated to or volunteered to undergo substance abuse treatment.

Since 1999, he has been at the MusiCares Foundation, the charity arm of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (GRAMMY Organization). As senior director of the MusiCares/MAP Fund, he is responsible for the implementation of all aspects of its addiction recovery programs including treatment services, case management, and provider contracts. He is also a frequent moderator and panelist at a number of national music industry conferences that address the problems of addiction in the music and entertainment communities.

In October 2001 and again in 2006, Harold received Official Commendations from Mayors’ James Hahn and Antonio Villaraigosa for Outstanding Service in the Field of Addiction Recovery.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Harold serves on the boards of a number of non-profit charity organizations including Miriam’s House, The Promises Foundation, and most recently, Rwanda Rocks the first music school for children and teens in Kigali, capital of Rwanda.