Connor MacLeod of RI Uses New Interview to Highlight Mental Health, Addiction Awareness, and Support for At-Risk Youth

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Connor MacLeod RI, Newport, RI, USA.

Rhode Island Captain Encourages Community Action After Sharing Personal Story and Industry Insights
Maritime captain and Tall Tailz Charters owner Connor MacLeod RI is using his newly released interview to call for stronger community awareness around addiction, mental health, and youth support programmes. Drawing on personal loss and years of community work, MacLeod is encouraging Rhode Islanders to take small, meaningful steps to support those who may be struggling.

In the feature interview, MacLeod discusses his long career on the water, his charitable work, and the emotional experience that led him to found the Dennis Fitz Foundation in memory of a close friend lost to overdose.

"Losing Dennis was one of the hardest moments of my life," MacLeod said. "It made me realise how many people are fighting silent battles. You don't always see the warning signs, which is why awareness and early support matter so much."

A Growing Crisis That Demands Local Action

According to the CDC, more than 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2023, with synthetic opioids involved in over 70% of cases. In Rhode Island, overdose deaths have risen by more than 40% over the past decade, making the issue one of the state's most urgent public health concerns.

"Addiction doesn't discriminate, and it doesn't wait," MacLeod noted. "It affects good families, good people. We need to be more open, more supportive, and more willing to step in before it's too late."

His foundation raises funds for prevention efforts and awareness campaigns, encouraging earlier outreach and conversations within families and local communities.

Support for Foster Youth Through Time on the Water

MacLeod also continues to donate fishing trips to young people in foster care, believing that time in nature can restore confidence and offer positive experiences they may not otherwise have access to.

"When you watch a boy who's had a really tough year light up because he landed his first fish, you see something change," he said. "You see proof that small moments can make a big difference."

Research from the National Foster Youth Institute shows that children in foster care are twice as likely to struggle with mental health challenges, and access to enrichment activities can reduce emotional distress and improve long-term resilience.

"These trips aren't about fishing," MacLeod added. "They're about giving kids a chance to feel proud of themselves. Every child deserves that."

A Call for Simple, Everyday Action

MacLeod emphasises that anyone can contribute to preventing addiction and supporting vulnerable youth-no foundation or business required.

"You don't need a formal programme to help someone," he said. "Check in on a friend, offer a lift to a meeting, spend time with a kid who needs it, or just listen without judgement. Small actions save lives."

He hopes that readers of his interview will feel encouraged to look around their own communities, pay attention, and step in before crises take shape.

"We're losing too many people quietly," MacLeod said. "If you can be the person who makes someone feel seen, you can change their direction."

To read the full interview, visit the website here [https://bmmagazine.co.uk/business/connor-macleod-of-ri-a-career-built-on-discipline-leadership-and-life-at-sea/].

About Connor MacLeod RI

Connor MacLeod is a lifelong mariner based in Newport, Rhode Island. He is the owner/operator of Tall Tailz Charters and a respected leader in the Northeast fishing community. Through his foundation work and community outreach, he continues to advocate for addiction awareness, mental health support, and positive experiences for at-risk youth.

For more information, visit https://talltailzcharters.com [https://talltailzcharters.com].
Media Contact
Company Name: Connor MacLeod RI
Email: Send Email [http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=connor-macleod-of-ri-uses-new-interview-to-highlight-mental-health-addiction-awareness-and-support-for-atrisk-youth]
Country: United States
Website: https://talltailzcharters.com

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