Archive for the ‘News’ Category

BREAKING NEWS!! Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

News for Immediate Release

Jan. 24, 2012

Governor Corbett Nominates Gary Tennis to Lead Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett today nominated Gary Tennis of Philadelphia to serve as secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, which is being created as a result of a 2010 state law.

Tennis is retired from his previous position as chief of the legislation unit in the Philadelphia’s District Attorney’s Office, where he represented the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association working with the General Assembly.

“Gary Tennis has been a passionate advocate for effective drug and alcohol treatment both within and outside the judicial system,” Corbett said. “I am confident his experience will help guide the delivery of quality, effective drug and alcohol services for Pennsylvanians.”

In addition to more than 25 years of legislative experience, Tennis served as executive director of the President’s Commission on Model State Drug Laws in 1993. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tulsa in 1975 and was a Rhodes Scholarship nominee. He is also a graduate of The University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Tennis’s first order of business will be to analyze the provision of drug and alcohol services, which are currently provided through several agencies including the state departments of Health and Public Welfare. The goal is to ensure the highest and most effective care for Pennsylvania citizens struggling with addiction.

Tennis has been charged with taking a common-sense approach to streamlining and eliminating duplication of state drug and alcohol treatment and prevention efforts in Pennsylvania.

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs was created under Act 50 of 2010. It will establish a plan for the management and allocation of state and federal funds used to oversee alcohol and drug prevention, intervention and treatment services.

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs is currently located in the Health and Welfare building. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is assisting in the agency’s formation.

Media contact: Kevin Harley, 717-783-1116

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Download a copy of the Dept of D&A_Press Release

For local coverage of the story:
Corbett Appointee to Oversee Addictions Program
Department of Drug and Alcohol Takes Shape in PA

Council Announcement: Problem Gambling Mini-Grant Opportunity

The Council on Chemical Abuse, through a grant received from the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs, has allocated a total of $20,000 to support mini-grants initiatives for the purpose of increasing public awareness about problem and compulsive gambling. An applicant can apply for one or more grants per fiscal year up to a total of $5,000.

Completed applications will be accepted now through April 2, 2012.

PROBLEM GAMBLING OUTREACH MINI-GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Council on Chemical Abuse Problem Gambling Mini-grant Application

Another Successful Red Ribbon Week: Campaign 2011

 

“A Drug Free Life…ROCKS!”

The Council on Chemical Abuse sponsored the 2011 Red Ribbon Week campaign. This year’s campaign was entitled, “A Drug Free Life ROCKS!” Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated as a symbol of support for efforts to reduce drug use through youth prevention and education programs. By wearing a red ribbon during the last week in October, people demonstrate their opposition to drugs and illustrate their dedication to living drug free.

This year all Berks County school districts participated in Red Ribbon Week. More than 43,000 red ribbons were distributed to 65 elementary and middle schools, as well as the Berks County Intermediate Unit Early Intervention and Day Care Centers. Teachers at each of these schools also received a “Guide to Red Ribbon Week” which provided suggested classroom activities and crafts, school themed days, as well as ideas for infusing healthy choices into existing school curricula.

Jaclyn Steed, the Council’s Red Ribbon Week Coordinator stated, “Red Ribbon Week allowed our schools to focus on healthy decisions in a manner which is both appealing and exciting for students. This year’s ‘A Drug free Life ROCKS!’ campaign really exemplified a well-rounded approach to prevention efforts. The suggested activities provided students with pertinent information to increase their awareness of harmful substances, while also building skills for students to resist peer pressure.”

Download: 2011 Red Ribbon Week Planning Guide

COCA Annual Conference Reached Record Numbers

Council on Chemical Abuse’s 2011 Annual Conference
“The Brain…and the Addictions”

Annually, the Council on Chemical Abuse, presents an all day conference. This year’s Annual Conference, entitled “The Brain and the Addictions”, was presented to both addiction professionals as well as those working in social service fields whose clients may be directly impacted by the disease of addiction.

Held on November 3rd, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Wyomissing, “The Brain and the Addictions” focused on the last thirty years of scientific medical research validating addiction as a diagnosable and treatable brain disease. The Conference was sponsored by the Council on Chemical Abuse, Berks County Mental Health/Mental Retard-ation Program, Berks County Children and Youth Services, Substance Abuse Service Providers Association of Berks County, and Community Care Behavioral Health Organization.

George J. Vogel, Jr, Executive Director of the Council stated, ““The Council is committed to assisting profess-ionals in developing skills to address the complex issues surrounding addictions of all kinds. The Annual Conference is a testament to both this commitment as well as the impact addiction has on our community. Over 300 addiction and social service professionals were in attendance for this conference, the largest number in Council history.”

Dr. Kevin McCauley, a physician and advocate for those suffering and recovering from addictions, addressed attendees as this year’s keynote speaker. He explored the latest neuroscientific research about addiction in easily understood terms. Following Dr. McCauley’s keynote presentation, attendees participated in two workshops of their choice. Workshops included topics such as, problem gambling, sex addiction, food addiction, codependency and synthetic drugs.

The lunch presentation included an award presentation honoring individuals that have exemplified the highest standard in the areas of addiction prevention, intervention, and treatment services as well as the presentation of the Council’s most prestigious offering, the President’s Award. This year’s recipients included: Prevention Award – Elsie Szablowski, Intervention Award – Betty McDonough, Treatment Award – Brian Halstead, and President’s Award – Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams.

For more information on the presented workshops, download:  2011 Annual Conference Brochure

Soberstock 2011: Participants Describe What Recovery Means

The Council on Chemical Abuse was available on Saturday, July 9th, to talk to Soberstock participants about what recovery means to a person who has suffered the effects of addiction.  Participants were encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas to encourage and support those in our community who are still struggling.  Their stories, thought, and writings have now been published on www.recoveryandme.org.

If you have a story to share letting others know the joys that recovery has brought to your life please email the recovery and me site.  All submissions will be posted unless otherwise stated.