Lindsay Wright-El, Detroit Addiction and HIV/AIDS Activist, Dies

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Lindsay Wright-El on Sunday, September 29, 2013. Lindsay was a leader and community advocate who fought tirelessly for the needs of those most disenfranchised. He will be missed by all who crossed his path and so many more who felt the impact of his work. As a 15-year member of the Community Health Awareness Group staff, Lindsay was an essential piece to the agencies HIV prevention, care, substance abuse and mental health services. He was instrumental in ensuring that individuals at-risk, living with HIV or suffering from addiction were connected to high-quality services. Lindsay was most successful in reaching underserved populations that fall through the cracks or have never accessed services. New clients frequently sought him out for support. Lindsay's work at CHAG led to him being recognized in 2000 as the agency's Employee of the Year.

As a community advocate, Lindsay served on several boards and advisory groups at the state and local level including, the Detroit Recovery Project, the Michigan Department of Corrections HIV/AIDS Advisory Board, and the Partnership for a Drug-Free Detroit. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees for The Wellness Plan and the Detroit-Wayne County Drug Surveillance Workgroup.

A self-identified person with more than 20 years in recovery Lindsay committed his career working to prevent or treat drug addiction. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy who continued to work with his fellow vets throughout his life, particularly those suffering from addiction. His leadership in the recovery community led to him being honored as a 2008 Recovery Warrior by the Detroit Recovery Project.

Possessing an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, Lindsay was also 2011 Fellow of the Black AIDS Institute's African American HIV University Community Mobilization College in Los Angeles, California. He was a driving force behind a coalition to remove alcohol and tobacco billboards from his community, facilitated workshops on African American men and HIV/AIDS throughout Michigan, and was widely known for his ability to quickly access resources for active and recovering substance ab/users. Lindsay was the recipient of numerous honors, which included being recognized by the Detroit News and Free Press in August 2000 for his work with injection drug users.

As committed as Lindsay Wright-El was to his work in the community, his first love was his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who never hesitated to share stories that demonstrate his love for his family with others. Lindsay leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Carol, five children, grandchildren, his CHAG family, the recovery community and many others whose lives he touched.

Condolences may be sent to:
The Family of Lindsay Wright-El
5313 Oregon, Detroit, Michigan 48204

or in c/o
Community Health Awareness Group
1300 W. Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 963-3434