CBS, WARNER BROS. TELEVISION AND HIT COMEDY SERIES "MOM" TEAM UP WITH THE U.S. SURGEON GENERAL TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE ADDICTION EPIDEMIC THROUGH A "CBS CARES" PSA

New Public Service Announcement Will Air Following Special Episode of "Mom" on Thursday, Feb. 18

CBS, Warner Bros. Television and the hit comedy series MOM are teaming up with the U.S. Surgeon General to raise awareness of the addiction epidemic through a new CBS Cares public service announcement. The 30-second PSA, featuring U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy and MOM stars Anna Faris and Allison Janney, will debut after the MOM episode "Diabetic Lesbians and a Blushing Bride," Thursday, Feb. 18 (9:01-9:30 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

"I'm proud to partner with CBS Cares and the cast and crew of MOM. Together, we want to raise awareness about an epidemic that is having a devastating impact on communities throughout our country," said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. "Drug overdoses kill more Americans than car crashes - a reminder that everyone struggling with addiction needs access to treatment, compassion and support."

MOM follows the story of Christy (Faris) and Bonnie Plunkett (Janney), a mother and daughter in recovery, along with their support group from AA. The series has received critical acclaim for its portrayal of those recovering from addiction, as well as other serious topics, in a humorous and sensitive manner. The episode airing on Feb. 18 tackles the serious consequences of opiate addiction.

"We are proud to have worked with the U.S. Surgeon General on this PSA, and hope it provides help to all those suffering from addiction," said MOM executive producer Chuck Lorre.

The goal of the PSA is to bring awareness to the alarming rates of overdose deaths and encourages anyone struggling with addiction to call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year information service in English and Spanish for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance abuse disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information. Those in need can also visit http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov for treatment locations.

To learn more about the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic or to find treatment options for patients, family or friends, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at www.hhs.gov/opioids.

About CBS Cares:

At the heart of CBS's public service commitment is the multiple award-winning CBS Cares campaign, which consists of PSAs created by CBS and which usually feature talent from a wide array of CBS Television Network programming. These PSAs have addressed numerous causes including many health issues that impact the lives of millions of viewers. Among the health issues tackled by CBS Cares are: alcohol abuse, Alzheimer's disease, autism, bipolar disorder, breast cancer, cervical cancer, children's health, colon cancer, depression, drug abuse, epilepsy, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, menopause, obesity, oral cancer, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, post-partum depression, post-traumatic stress, prostate cancer, schizophrenia, sickle cell anemia, skin cancer, stroke prevention, suicide prevention and violence prevention.

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