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August 2012

Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment & Recovery Services

VOLUME 26, ISSUE

SYNTHETIC DRUGS:

Not For Human Consumption ...Gaudenzia ...educates the community on the causes, treatment, and prevention of addictions ...and related conditions. from Gaudenzia Mission Statement Law enforcement and the media have been reporting an alarming rise in the use of synthetic drugs across the country. These so-called designer drugs may be packaged and marketed as “bath salts” or other products, such as plant food, incense, etc., and in some instances are even labeled “not intended for human consumption.” The contents are actually chemical adaptations of methamphetamine-related drugs that stay outside of classification as controlled substances, and can therefore be legally sold. These drugs can be extremely dangerous, capable of producing severe psychosis with life threatening effects. The sellers and users of these drugs know full well the contents of the products they are handling. Gaudenzia seeks to actively inform the community about the toxicities and effects associated with these drugs. We have partnered with elected officials to enact legislation aimed at containing their availability and use. In Pennsylvania in 2011, the sale of bath salts was banned statewide. At the federal level, Congress recently passed a law intending to counter the trend of synthetic drug manufacture and use. It is hoped that the new laws can keep up with the ever-changing components that make up synthetic drug products.

Since February, Ken Dickinson, MS, RPh, former pharmacist and now Gaudenzia’s Director of Marketing, has addressed audiences in Philadelphia, Reading, Norristown and Lancaster about the perils of synthetic drug use. His presentations were arranged by law enforcement, health care authorities, clergy and educators. Additional sessions are scheduled for Schuylkill County (PA), Harrisburg and Baltimore. For more information, contact [email protected].

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In May, U.S. Representative Patrick Meehan invited Gaudenzia’s participation at a round table discussion on synthetic drugs, together with law enforcement, health care professionals and educators. Input from the discussion contributed to legislation introduced by the Congressman on this issue.

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Accolades go to

Medical Professional of the Year

Annually, the Caron Foundation, at its Greater Philadelphia Community Service Awards Breakfast, honors outstanding clinicians and role models in the substance abuse treatment field. On May 18, Kathleen Houston, Gaudenzia’s Eastern Region Health Services Division Director, received the Medical Professional Award. Over the years, Kathleen has worked tirelessly to help nurse managers and health care administrators recognize and intervene when substance abuse is present in their employees. She is a staunch advocate for clients with trauma and co-occurring treatment needs.

Kathleen Houston Frank Mount

Unsung Hero

Also recognized at the breakfast was Frank Mount, Senior Social Worker for Gaudenzia’s Eastern Region, as an Unsung Hero. Frank has been employed at Gaudenzia since 1989, meeting clients in detox, jails, courts – wherever they may be – in order to motivate people and facilitate their admission process to treatment.

Christine Abdur-Rahim Mayor’s Award Recipient

On June 6, Christine Abdur-Rahim, Eastern Region Director of Women’s and Children’s Programs, was honored at the annual “Making A Difference Dinner” by the City of Philadelphia Mayor’s Drug and Alcohol Executive Commission. She also received a Citation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognizing her 28 years of service to the recovering community. Christine has dedicated her professional career to improving the lives of thousands of people struggling with addiction and mental health issues. She has been a voice for people requiring advocacy, a motivator for those whose spirits had been broken and the approachable role model to those who needed it most.

This past April,

the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation facilties (CARF) surveyed Gaudenzia for re-credentialing. Over a three day period, surveyors visited Gaudenzia programs and facilities systemwide in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware to examine each program. The results were outstanding. Gaudenzia was noted for numerous strengths and awarded a three year accreditation through May 2015. In their summary report, CARF stated that Gaudenzia has developed a culture that strives toward excellence in delivered services, resulting in success for the individuals served.

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SPOTLIGHT ON

Delaware

Since January, meetings have been held with senior elected officials in Delaware to better acquaint them with Gaudenzia’s work and help maintain the level of funding we receive.

Patricia Blevins

John McMahon

Senate Majority Leader

Secretary of Department of Labor

Jack Markell Governor Ann Visalli State Budget Director

Beau Biden

Rita Landgraf

DE Attorney General

Secretary of Health and Social Services

Matt Denn Lieutenant Governor Julia Blevins Policy Advisor

Chesapeake Region Genessee Valley Excursion

Team Building “Naturally” In June, residents of Gaudenzia’s Park Heights women with children’s program participated in an outdoor excursion aimed at strengthening team building and communication skills. Each woman completed high wire bridge walks and experienced blindfolded scavenger hunts. The outing was generously provided by the Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Experience.

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a season of

Graduations

Annually, Gaudenzia conducts graduation ceremonies in each region for individuals who have completed a treatment program, maintained a minimum of one year’s sobriety and have met a series of stringent eligibility requirements. For many, Graduation is an important moment of accomplishment and recognition.

Erie On May 19, at the Bayfront Convention Center, 18 individuals were graduated. Keynote Speaker Gary Tennis, Pennsylvania Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol, spoke passionately about the strength and courage of the graduates and how important it is to stay in recovery and stay focused. Honorary Graduate medallions were presented to Candace Battles and Carol King, local Advisory Council members and to Susan Rea, Director of Finance.

Gary Tennis

Eastern Region On June 16, in Philadelphia, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 148 individuals were graduated. Keynote Speaker Seth Williams, Philadelphia District Attorney remarked, "In the past 5 days, I've been to many graduations. This is by far the most important one." An Honorary Graduate medallion was presented to Wendy Levin, Director, Montgomery County Outpatient Program. George Davis, Division Director, received the Joe Lewis Award.

Seth Williams

Central Region On June 23, in Harrisburg, at the Best Western Premier Hotel, 42 individuals were graduated from programs within the Central Pennsylvania Region. Keynote Speaker Graham Hetrick, Dauphin County Coroner, congratulated the graduates for their accomplishments. Diane Keys was recognized with the Donald Garnet Humanitarian Award. Deb Filanowski, Director of New Destiny, was presented with an Honorary Graduate medallion.

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Graham Hetrick

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Volunteer HIGHLIGHTS

In Schuylkill County, PA the staff at Preferred Warranties graciously contributed their annual bonus earnings to purchase holiday gifts for children in residence at Fountain Springs.

In Lancaster, for the last 10 years, the Tooth Fairy, Michelle Storb, and her family, have visited Gaudenzia Vantage, demonstrating the importance of healthy eating habits and teaching proper dental care. Gaudenzia salutes the Storb family!

This June, Eastern Region event committee member Elizabeth von dem Hagen, and her husband Ralph, hosted an appreciation dinner for the event committee.

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This July, contributions from members of the Greater Philadelphia Community Affairs Council enabled several Tioga Arms families to visit the Philadelphia Zoo for the first time.

Event

Fara S. Graduate Speaker

“Gaudenzia exists because no one should ever, ever give up.” Honoree Michael Rashid

Gaudenzia/Gustave G. Amsterdam Community Champion Award Dinner On May 9, Gaudenzia honored Michael A. Rashid, President and CEO of AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies with the Gaudenzia/Gustave G. Amsterdam Community Champion Award. The event was held at The Crystal Tea Room in the Wanamaker Building, Philadelphia. Lead sponsors included AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, Independence Blue Cross and Jefferson University Hospitals. Honorary Event Co-Chairs were Daniel J. Hilferty and Thomas J. Lewis. Event Committee Co-Chairs were Phillip F. Jordan and Jeannie Day Roggio. The event raised $185,000 net for treatment.

Good friends of Gaudenzia and guests of VIP Sponsor, Independence Blue Cross

Gaudenzia Foundation Board Members Maureen Q. Dwyer, Chairman R. Max Bockol with his wife Annie, and Tobe Amsterdam enjoy the evening Friends from Jefferson Health System and AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies

Walter D’Alessio, Gaudenzia Foundation Board Member with Michael Rashid

Gene Veneziale, Gaudenzia Inc. Board Member with Jeannie Day Roggio and Phil Jordan, Event Co-chairs

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Michael Rashid, his wife Medina and their three children proudly hold the Community Champion Award

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Event “Gaudenzia strengthens a family by providing treatment and thoughtful support” Co-Honoree Tracy Salinger

Gaudenzia Gala On June 9, the Gaudenzia Gala was held at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. The event honored Unique Limousine and the Salinger Family. Honorary Chair was Alicia Richards. Event Committee Chair was Mary Moyer, Gaudenzia Inc Board Member. The event raised $52,000 net for treatment. A highlight of the evening was the auctioning of a 1996 Corvette.

Honorees Jim, Josie and Tracy Salinger receive their award.

Gary Houck, Donna and Edward Grimm chat during the Silent Auction Live Auction high bidder Linda Cardichi takes ownership of her Corvette

Paul Henry is drawn to an illustration of the ravages of addiction at the Faces of Recovery Gallery

Howard Henry, Event Committee member addresses the audience during the Live Auction

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GAUDENZIA, Inc. Corporate Offices 106 W. Main Street Norristown, PA 19401 www.gaudenzia.org

The Gaudenzia Gazette is published by the Community Affairs Department of Gaudenzia, Inc.

Self-expression comes to Tioga Arms

Michael Harle, M.H.S. President and CEO

Recently, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) conducted an eight session series of art projects at Gaudenzia’s Tioga Arms apartments in Philadelphia. The program was designed to stimulate the creative and artistic expressions of post-treatment mothers, together with their young children. Pictured are “self portraits” and abstracts painted by the residents, who also were treated to field trips to local art galleries and museums. At the conclusion of the program, participants’ artwork was publicly displayed at PAFA.

Richard Z. Freemann, Jr. Chairman, Board of Directors Gadi Aronson Director of Development Sara Baumgardner Julie Girsch Andrew Keimig Carole Lee Lynanne Schaeffer Carol Schonour Contributors

Please forward address changes to: Gaudenzia Gazette 106 W. Main Street Norristown, PA 19401 [email protected]

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