September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate the power of healing, highlight the resources that make recovery possible, and remind our communities that treatment works.
Central Outreach Wellness Center is proud to team up with Pittsburgh rapper Colicchie, whose story of recovery, music, and healing inspires thousands across the country. Together, we’re spreading one powerful message: Hepatitis C is curable.
Music, Recovery, and a Voice of Hope
Colicchie is no stranger to struggle or to resilience. In 2005, during the early days of his sobriety, he sat on his mother’s couch and found inspiration in an unlikely place: Music On Demand.
“I started writing poems and converting them into songs. Then I got this wild, crazy idea that I should start recording them,” he recalls.
With nothing but determination, he found a recording studio in Lawrenceville and began creating music that became his therapy. His songs like “Drug Addiction” Parts 1 and 2 resonated with millions of listeners, offering a raw and honest reflection of recovery and survival.
“It was very therapeutic for me because it was an outlet like no other,” Colicchie says. “It helped me on days I wanted to use and always kept me grounded.”
From Recovery to Resilience
As his career grew, Colicchie realized his music was doing more than helping him; it was inspiring others.
“That was one of the best things I ever encountered, because it fueled my motivation on the days I just really didn’t want to go anymore,” he shares.
Today, Colicchie is sober, cured of Hepatitis C, and still using his art to connect with others who are walking their own path of recovery.
His advice? “Give yourself a chance.”
“For the longest time, I didn’t even think I was worthy of living a beautiful life,” he says.
Partnering with Central Outreach to Spread the Cure
Now, nearly 20 years into his music career, Colicchie has joined forces with Central Outreach and our Hep C Cure Squad to bring hope and healing to even more people.
“When I was in early recovery, I was petrified to get help because of all the damage I did to my body. I didn’t know where to turn,” he says. “Now, there are actual resources for people to get tested. I think it’s absolutely beautiful, and it should be more widespread.”
And that’s exactly what Central Outreach is doing.
In 2024 alone, our Hep C Cure Squad cured 3,527 cases of Hepatitis C across Pennsylvania and Ohio through accessible testing in recovery centers, community events, and even home visits.
“We wish to decrease the stigma and dehumanization that so many in our community experience every day,” says Christina Gast, Director of Ohio Mobile Outreach. “We want to let people know that there is someone out there who wants to help and support.”
Get Cured, Your Way
Now, getting tested and treated for Hepatitis C is easier than ever:
- Order a free rapid Hep C test straight to your home at HepCMyWay.com.
- Just a finger prick and 15 minutes later, you’ll have results.
- If positive, our Hep C Cure Squad can come to you—or you can visit one of our six clinics.
- No insurance? No problem. Medications ship within a week.
- In just 8–12 weeks, you can be cured.
This National Recovery Month
Recovery takes courage. It takes resources. And it takes people willing to stand up and share their story—like Colicchie.
This September, let’s celebrate recovery and remind everyone that healing is possible. From substance use disorder to Hepatitis C, help is here. Treatment works. And you are worthy of a healthy, hopeful future.
Because recovery is for everyone.
