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TOPEKA (KSNT) – A Hollywood actor and screen writer was in the capital city Friday afternoon to help bring awareness to behavioral health recovery.

David Dastmalchain was the guest speaker at the 2015 Kansas Behavioral Health Recovery Rally at the statehouse.

He has starred in movies such as ‘The Dark Night’ and this summer’s ‘Ant Man.’

Dastmalchain is a Kansas native and was recently recognized for the film ‘Animals.’

It was inspired by his personal battle with heroin addiction.

“I always hope that there is at least one, if not a hand full, of people who are in the audience that have given up that don’t believe that there is any hope. And that’s my only message I have – I’m very kind of vague but very specific in my message…which is that we do not give up. We do not give up on people. And to keep everyone alive long enough that they want and are ready for recovery and to heal, ” Dastmalchain said.

The event was hosted by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disabilities as part of National Recovery Month.