Contacts: Candy Cargill-Fuller, 310-679-9126 ccargill-fuller@bhs-inc.org

Barbara Spille, 818-996-1051 bspille@tarzanatc.org

NEWS ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Health Officials and Advocates Celebrate National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month

WHAT:            In September 2004, the 15^th annual National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month will be recognized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and by individuals in recovery from alcohol and drug problems.  The month is set aside to highlight the strides made in substance abuse treatment and to educate the public that addiction is a chronic, but treatable, public health problem that affects all citizens.  A rally, consisting of special invited speakers, testimonials and health exhibits, will celebrate individuals who are leading health and productive lives in recovery and who have overcome stigma, and other barriers to treatment

WHEN:           Tuesday, August 31, 2004, 12 noon - 3 pm

WHERE:         Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration- Mall Area

  500 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA

WHY:              Many Americans have difficulty obtaining treatment for alcohol or drug use disorders.   According to a new national report 2.7 percent of persons 12 and older nationwide needed, but did not receive treatment for an illicit drug problem; and 7.3 percent needed but did not receive treatment for an alcohol problem.  The report found that California had the largest total number of persons 12 and older who needed but did not receive treatment for an illicit drug problem.  Similarly, California had the largest number of persons in need of treatment for an alcohol problem, approximately 2 million persons, which is over 11 percent of the total number nationally who needed but did not receive treatment for an alcohol problem.     The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services reported binge drinking by 18 percent of underage adults and 20 percent of teens in a recent survey.  

WHO:             Dr. Westley Clark, Director, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Mary Ann Solberg, Deputy Director for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Henry Lozano, Commissioner, President's Advisory Commission on Drug-Free Communities, and Judge Michael Tynan, Los Angeles Superior Court, and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.