CRC Health Group Press Releases

CRC Health Group Issues Statement on Tennessean Article Largely Ignoring Overwhelming Successes in Difficult Addiction Cases and Compromised Population –
30,000 Daily Treated – While Reporting Unfortunate Outcomes of Select Few Cases

CRC Health Group Issued the following statement today in response to a December 18 article in the Tennessean:

A Tennessean article today by reporter Nate Rau on New Life Lodge and parent company CRC Health Group largely ignores the overwhelming successes of the company, the country’s largest substance abuse and behavioral treatment provider, which treats 30,000 patients daily, while reporting the unfortunate outcomes of a few single cases in a field with an extremely difficult and compromised patient population, the company said today in a statement.  The company asserted that the reporter’s articles to date have ignored the reports of parents, treatment providers, and the clients themselves, including surveys of over 10,000 parents, clients, and providers, showing overwhelming improvements in clients’ lives.

CRC Vice President Jonathan Ciampi stated:

“CRC is the largest provider of addiction treatment and behavioral health services in the nation.  We have chosen the mission of helping a difficult and compromised population and treat approximately 30,000 patients every day in a network of 140 facilities.  Our company, like other healthcare providers, has experienced the unfortunate reality of a dramatic increase in the acuity of patients admitted for treatment.   Additionally, due to the nature of this chronic disease, some of our patients come in with issues that they may not be aware of or do not disclose.

“Safety and quality are our highest priorities. Even a single unfortunate incident is distressing to us as professionals.  It’s easy to suggest that because of a few incidents there are broad deficiencies.  There were not systemic deficiencies.   The fact of the matter is that CRC is a recognized leader in this field, has ranked third for overall best practices by the MHCA (Mental Health Corporations of America), and provides treatment that meets or exceeds state and federal standards across the board.  All CRC treatment facilities are accredited including our network of youth programs that have all achieved the important CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities – whose website says they accredit ‘the best providers available’ or JCAHO (Joint Commission) accreditation.

“CRC has helped approximately half a million people.  Many of these people have been surveyed about the quality of care and have provided testimonials about our programs saving their lives – these don’t quite make the same headlines.

“SAMHSA reports 23 million people need but do not receive treatment nationwide, and there are 5 million teens with behavioral disorders in this country.  I think we can agree that we need more not less treatment to address these growing problems.  The unfortunate result is that access to care becomes more limited as in the case of New Life Lodge.  There are now 485,000 people in Tennessee who SAMHSA/HHS say in their annual survey need but do not receive treatment who have temporarily lost New Life Lodge as am treatment option.

“The article is critical of CRC’s scale and profit motives. Size and profit are not bad things—quite the contrary, CRC’s scale and financial strength are assets to the industry and to our patients.  Our scale allows us to provide individuals with better access to quality care, a continuum of nationwide services to reach them wherever they are in the lifecycle of their disease, whatever their age or socioeconomic level.  CRC’s financial strength also allows us to provide a variety of resources and support that enable individual facilities to better manage and run their operations, with the goal of allowing them to focus on what they do best: deliver superior patient care.  This scale also allows for the sharing of Best Practices and peer-developed solutions across facilities, as well as the creation of a proprietary quality management system that collects and analyzes information, and provides invaluable perspective across facilities. There are innumerable network advantages and benefits that enable, encourage and ensure high levels of performance and quality at CRC programs and facilities – often considerably beyond what they could realistically achieve operating independently.  This includes having multi-disciplinary teams that visit every facility and conduct comprehensive reviews of clinical practices, delivery of services, systems, operations, and policies and procedures, and make enhancements wherever needed;  systems to administer patient satisfaction surveys that capture timely and candid feedback from our most important audience, so that we can make real-time improvements in areas that may have faults; and better IT technology for smoother systems for our employees and patients.

“At New Life Lodge – which the article did not understand was already for-profit when CRC purchased it in 2006 (the paper was incorrect in asserting it was non-profit at the point of purchase) – CRC put $10 million dollars into capital improvements in the last three years. These improvements were for improvements in quality of care and physical plant.

“CRC’s financial strength also allows us to provide a variety of resources and support that enable individual facilities to better manage and run their operations, with the goal of allowing them to focus on what they do best: deliver superior patient care.  Many facilities without a large framework go under because they do NOT have the backup of scale or size.  And because of scale, we can invest into our quality of care like no other organization can do.

“Some of our newer initiatives include employing a Clinical Supervision System that was created by leading experts in the; implementing a Clinical Outcomes Management System; and training all counselors in evidence-based practices.  We believe that continual investment in the development of our professional staff is key to ensuring we provide the highest levels of quality care.  In addition, earlier this year, CRC hired a Vice President of Quality who conducts weekly quality meetings with the field to disseminate best practices.

“The article criticizes staffing.  CRC has adhered to or surpassed state regulations including where there are rigorous requirements but we do more than follow the rules —we assess the staffing rations and we assure care for patients.

“Quite frankly, in the reporting in the article, the Tennessean may have missed the most important factor for the successful rehabilitation of our clients: the dedication of CRC staff at all levels—from our CEO who said he’s here “because we help people,” down to each direct care staff.  Our staff has a passion that is based on the desire to do good.

“Our stated mission is to inspire our employees to deliver clinical excellence and lead CRC to be the preferred treatment provider to individuals and families in need.  I’d like to introduce the paper to the half a million people who would agree CRC has been VERY successful at achieving this, and is actually solely responsible for saving their lives.

“Quality care is at the center of CRC’s values and mission.  Every Aspen residential and wilderness program is CARF or Joint Commission accredited – the only such network of programs to accomplish this – and outcome studies and patient satisfaction surveys indicate that Aspen exceeds expectations and produces lasting positive results.  One study that followed up with students at 3 months and 12 months post-discharge found continued reduction in conduct disorder symptoms, substance use and aggressive behaviors.  A separate survey of over 10,000 parents found that 81% would recommend an Aspen program to a family with a struggling teen, and found vast improvements in parents’ perceptions of the core issues of child safety, trust, family efficacy, and education as a result of attending an Aspen program.  This survey also found that parents overwhelmingly believed that Aspen program staff consistently demonstrated strong clinical and compassionate care for the students and their families.

“We wholeheartedly strive to deliver results efficiently and effectively while maintaining our commitment to excellence.  We strive to have a positive impact on every patient we touch – and we take pride in the high standards we mandate while doing so,” Ciampi concluded.

September 29, 2011 (Boca Raton, FL) — Wellness Resource Center, an integrated substance abuse and dual diagnosis treatment facility for adults, recently experienced some of its highest admissions in its 17-year history, an upward trend that seems likely to continue.  According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), over 44,000 Floridians sought treatment in 2007 (most recent year of data), yet Florida has over one and a half million people who need but do not currently receive drug or alcohol addiction treatment.

“There is a real need for quality treatment and we will do all we can to provide it,” said Paul Reed, LCSW and Executive Director of Wellness Resource Center.

When Reed arrived at Wellness Resource Center (WRC) in January of 2009, they were at 65% capacity.  These days, they’re at 100%.

Reed credits the increased census to a growing demand and, just as importantly, a renewed program.  Getting back to the basics of treatment, Reed started by strengthening WRC’s clinical program, adding services such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), intensive trauma group therapy, and specialists in relapse prevention, health and wellness, and eating disorders.  He also incorporated alumni into the treatment programming with weekly presentations to help engage current and former patients.  Aesthetic improvements to the facility followed.

“We really exercised the fundamentals of building up the program by building relationships, building morale, and building admissions.  It was a slow and steady approach, but we realized that we ultimately had three clients to which we were responsible: our patients, their families, and the professionals who referred them to us,” said Reed.  “Keeping open lines of communication with all three has been key to our success.”

Cynthia McLean, WRC’s Marketing Director, agrees with Reed, but adds that Reed’s leadership has been another huge factor.  “Paul will assist directly with a client in need, take inquiry calls, take weekend duty when a program director is out.  He’s played every role there is at Wellness and it builds confidence with our staff – he’s not up in an ivory tower.”

For his part, Reed says “My role of leadership is to demonstrate early on that you will not expect someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.”

In just his second year as Executive Director of WRC, Reed and his team earned the top award for employee engagement within CRC Health Group, WRC’s parent company, a network of over 150 facilities.  As a result, WRC became a sort of “poster child” for CRC and was later selected to participate in the creation and implementation of the new “CRC Treatment Model.”  Wellness has since been part of extensive evaluations of its best practices, clinical protocols, and patient/referent communication and feedback processes to contribute to the well-defined model of treatment.

“Paul and the Wellness team have worked very hard to redevelop their systems and enhance their services,” said Candance Henderson-Grice, Vice President of CRC Health Group’s Eating Disorder, Weight Management, and Florida Programs.  “It is not surprising that they reached 100% capacity considering the praise they are receiving from patients, families and professionals alike.”

In fact, says Tammy Hanson, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS, and Director of Clinical Services for Dilworth Center for Chemical Dependency (North Carolina), “There are multiple reasons I refer [clients] to Wellness Resource Center. The number one reason is because their staff is excellent, impeccably trained, and fully capable of working with ‘hard to treat patients.’ The Wellness team does an excellent job of keeping me informed on the progress of my patients. I consistently speak with counselors to obtain full reports on patients, their family’s involvement, and re-entry planning.”

Hanson notes that she especially likes Wellness “because they are focused on helping patients become productive members of society, which includes anything from life-skills training to helping patients find employment in the step-down program.”

She adds “I have no reservation recommending Wellness Resource Center for my patients because I know they will receive the best care possible.”

Located in Boca Raton, Florida, Wellness Resource Center provides affordable treatment to men and women, ages 18 and older, who are suffering from dual diagnosis of psychiatric illness and chemical dependency.  The facility’s safe, nurturing environment enables patients to overcome habitual, self-defeating behaviors and begin to take positive steps toward optimal health and wellness. Through an individualized, integrated approach, patients are shown how to strive for wellness in all areas of life – physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual.  For more information, visit www.wellnessresourcecenter.com or call 866-549-5032.

Wellness Resource Center is a member of CRC Health Group, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive network of specialized behavioral health and addiction services. CRC offers the largest array of personalized treatment options, allowing individuals, families, and professionals to choose the most appropriate treatment setting for their behavioral, addiction, weight management and therapeutic education needs. CRC is committed to making its services widely and easily available, while maintaining a passion for delivering advanced treatment. Since 1995, CRC programs have helped individuals and families reclaim and enrich their lives.  For more information, visit www.crchealth.com.

September 28, 2011 (Hudson, WI) — Burkwood Treatment Center, a licensed residential chemical dependency treatment facility that specializes in treating men and women with a dual diagnosis of addiction and co-occurring mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, is pleased to announce the appointment of new Executive Director, Mark Lancet, MA, effective September 12, 2011.  Lancet joins Burkwood with over 30 years of experience in healthcare management.

“We are pleased to welcome Mark to the Burkwood team,” said Jerry Rhodes, Chief Operating Officer of CRC Health Group, parent company of Burkwood Treatment Center.  “His extensive leadership and operations experience with drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs will be great assets to the staff and clients of Burkwood.”

Lancet’s vast experience includes roles as clinical, program and administrative director for hospitals, residential treatment centers, and healthcare companies.  Most recently, he spent four years as an administrator for a behavioral health hospital in Minnesota where he led the clinical and operational teams and served as a community liaison to integrate mental health services.  Lancet also has served as a consultant for large organizations and worked in private practice in addition to leadership roles with various professional and community associations.  He received his Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from New York University.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the Burkwood treatment team,” said Lancet.  “All of the services provided will begin and end with what is in the best interests of the patients and their families to enhance their recovery process.”

Burkwood Treatment Center specializes in treating men and women with a dual diagnosis of addiction and co-occurring mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD) and personality disorders.  Based on each client’s individual history and unique needs, the experts at Burkwood create a personalized treatment plan that includes chemical dependency education and treatment, intensive counseling and support groups, individual goal planning, vocational and education counseling, and aftercare and discharge planning.

Burkwood Treatment Center is a member of CRC Health Group, the most comprehensive network of specialized behavioral healthcare services in the nation. CRC offers the largest array of personalized treatment options, allowing individuals, families and professionals to choose the most appropriate treatment setting for their behavioral, addiction, weight management and therapeutic education needs. CRC is committed to making its services widely and easily available, while maintaining a passion for delivering advanced treatment.  Since 1995, CRC has been helping individuals and families reclaim and enrich their lives.  For more information, visit www.crchealth.com or call (877) 637-6237.

(Carlsbad, CA – August 30, 2011) – Aspen Education Group, the nation’s largest provider of therapeutic education programs for struggling or underachieving teens, today announced the achievement of accreditation by every one of its nationwide facilities, the only organization of its kind to achieve such a feat.  All of Aspen’s residential schools and outdoor behavioral health (wilderness) programs are now accredited by The Joint Commission or CARF (the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities).

The Joint Commission’s “Gold Seal of Approval” and CARF accreditations represent the highest levels of accreditation that can be awarded to organizations and show Aspen Education Group’s substantial conformance to nationally accepted standards of excellence.  These standards address important functions relating to the care of individuals served and the management of the facility.

“We are extremely proud of this record achievement of all-program accreditation and its reflection on the quality of treatment within Aspen’s programs for struggling teens,” said Dr. Phil Herschman, Chief Clinical Officer for Aspen’s parent company, CRC Health Group.  “To be the first and only organization to so fully endorse the importance of accreditation for troubled teen programs is a testament to our commitment to clinical excellence for the students and families we serve.”

The accreditations are the result of rigorous peer review processes and on-site surveys that illustrated to the accrediting bodies that the Aspen programs and services are of the highest quality, provide measurable results and assure accountability.

CARF accrediting officials noted particular strengths in the Aspen programs’ operations including the high-quality, dedicated and friendly staff, comprehensive programming, innovative educational services, and thorough safety policies and procedures.  CARF surveyors also noted the programs’ welcoming environments and the high level of satisfaction from referring professionals, students and families.  In addition, special attention and commendations were paid to Aspen’s outcome studies that illustrated positive program results.

“A lot of hard work goes into these accreditations and I am very pleased with our programs’ successes,” said Ruth Moore, Sr. Vice President of Compliance and Quality Management for CRC Health.  “We are also grateful to The Joint Commission and CARF for their time and efforts, and for recognizing the distinctive quality of Aspen Education Group’s network of programs.”

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States.  An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.

Founded in 1966, CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served.  The accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

Aspen Education Group’s nationwide services range from short-term intervention programs to residential treatment, and include a variety of therapeutic settings such as boarding schools, outdoor behavioral health programs and special needs summer camps, allowing professionals and families the opportunity to choose the best setting to meet a student’s unique academic and emotional needs.  Aspen is a member of CRC Health Group, the nation’s largest addiction treatment and behavioral health services organization.  For more information, visit www.crchealth.com.

Contact: Kristen Hayes, Corporate Communications Director, 949-589-1765, khayes@crchealth.com

August 11, 2011 — (Cupertino, CA) – CRC Health Group, the nation’s largest provider of behavioral health and addiction treatment services, today unveiled the 10 members of a newly established, national Clinical Advisory Board. The Clinical Advisory Board will be responsible for providing expert guidance as the company develops a cutting-edge treatment delivery system that encompasses the latest innovations and research. The Board will be led by Dr. Phil Herschman, Chief Clinical Officer for CRC Health Group.

Members of the CRC Clinical Advisory Board (in alphabetical order) include:

• Dr. Kathleen T. Brady, MD, PhD – Professor of Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina, researcher
• Dr. Thomas J. Brady, MD, MBA – Medical Director of Villa Fairmont Mental Health Rehabilitation Center, Medical Director of Sausal Creek Outpatient Stabilization Clinic, behavioral health consultant
• Dr. Marc Fishman, MD – Medical Director of Maryland Treatment Centers, Member of the Psychiatry Faculty at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Current President of the Maryland Society of Addiction Medicine
• Dr. Michael T. Flaherty, PhD – Founder of IRETA (Institute for Research, Education and Training in the Addictions)
• Dr. Norman G. Hoffmann, PhD – President of Evince Clinical Assessments, Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Western Carolina University
• Jim Hudak, MPP – Chief Executive Officer of Paradigm Management Services
• General Barry R. McCaffrey, MA – Former Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, President of BR McCaffrey Associates LLC
• Cardwell C. Nuckols, MA, PhD – Author, former clinician, program director and hospital administrator
• Dr. David Powell, PhD, CCS, LADC, LMFT – President of the International Center for Health Concerns, Inc. and the Clinical Supervision Institute, author of Clinical Supervision in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling (2004)
• Gerald Shulman, MA, MAC, FACATA – President of Shulman & Associates, Training & Consulting in Behavioral Health

“We are delighted to officially announce CRC Health Group’s new Clinical Advisory Board and extremely pleased with the caliber of professionals we have assembled to guide us toward an innovative CRC treatment model,” said Dr. Herschman.

Each Clinical Advisory Board member has experience in behavioral health and/or addiction treatment or research; their expertise and guidance will help drive CRC Health Group’s vision of becoming the recognized industry leader for clinical excellence. This includes providing input on the company’s existing quality protocols to increase treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction. Work is already underway, with an in-person meeting scheduled for this November.

“Collaboration between professionals has proven time and time again to be an exceptional catalyst for enhancing services and advancing research,” said Clinical Advisory Board member Gerald Shulman. “That CRC has taken the lead by bringing together so many outstanding individuals in the addiction treatment and behavioral healthcare world is a testament to their commitment to their patients – they are showing true dedication to providing patients with the highest quality, most evidence-based care. The willingness of a system to expend resources to enhance their patients’ treatment outcomes without an immediate return on investment is the mark of commitment to that goal. I look forward to working with this group.”

CRC Health Group offers a nationwide network of addiction treatment and behavioral health services and recently ranked 3rd nationally in overall mental health best practices by the MHCA. Research, outcome studies, and best practices executed by each line of the company’s business – including addiction treatment, eating disorder treatment, weight management, and therapeutic programming for troubled youth – will now benefit from the guidance provided by the distinguished members of the Clinical Advisory Board.

“It is an honor to be selected to participate in such an extraordinary ‘meeting of the minds,’” said Clinical Advisory Board member Dr. Thomas Brady. “I look forward to maximizing this brain trust and collectively contributing to the enhanced delivery of treatment services, specifically within CRC’s large network of programs, and more broadly, for the treatment industry at-large.”

Full bios for the Clinical Advisory Board can be found by clicking here

Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., CRC Health Group is the most comprehensive network of specialized behavioral healthcare services in the nation. CRC offers the largest array of personalized treatment options, allowing individuals, families and professionals to choose the most appropriate treatment setting for their behavioral, addiction, weight management and therapeutic education needs. CRC is committed to making its services widely and easily available, while maintaining a passion for delivering advanced treatment. Since 1995, CRC has been helping individuals and families reclaim and enrich their lives.

For more information, visit www.crchealth.com or call (877) 637-6237.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Kristen Hayes, Corporate Communications Director
CRC Health Group
(949) 589-1765
khayes@crchealth.com

Cupertino, CA, July 18, 2011 — CRC Health Group, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive network of behavioral health and addiction treatment services, has announced the hiring of David Duerst as Senior Vice President of Sales. Duerst will be responsible for marketing the company’s 150-plus treatment programs to clinical professionals, education consultants and key strategic accounts.

“David is a wonderful addition to our management team,” said R. Andrew Eckert, CRC Health Group’s CEO. “His demonstrated success as a sales leader in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries will greatly benefit our growing company.”

Duerst joins CRC with 20 years of sales leadership experience. For the past six years, he has been with Ther-Rx Corporation, a specialty pharmaceutical company that markets branded pharmaceuticals. Duerst served as Vice President of Sales which included the launch of several products, a sales force deployment strategy, learning and development, and sales operations. He completed a significant expansion of the sales organization for a new product and, with his team, grew net revenue by 50 percent last year. He previously served as one of the company’s National Sales Directors where he built a 100-person sales team in 2005.

Duerst also spent 12 years with Johnson & Johnson in positions of increasing responsibility within sales, marketing and business analytics. While there, Duerst was a key sales director in the very successful launch of an ADHD product that generated well over $600 million in sales during his tenure. He was also recognized multiple times for his leadership and innovation with several “Standards of Leadership Awards.”

Duerst began his career as a sales rep for Hormel Foods Corporation and received his undergraduate degree in marketing from Kansas State University.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining the impressive team at CRC Health Group,” said Duerst. “This company offers a tremendous and well-respected portfolio of behavioral health services, and I look forward to playing a role in its future growth.”

Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., CRC Health Group is the most comprehensive network of specialized behavioral healthcare services in the nation. CRC offers the largest array of personalized treatment options, allowing individuals, families and professionals to choose the most appropriate treatment setting for their behavioral, addiction, weight management and therapeutic education needs. CRC is committed to making its services widely and easily available, while maintaining a passion for delivering advanced treatment. Since 1995, CRC has been helping individuals and families reclaim and enrich their lives. For more information, visit www.crchealth.com or call (877) 637-6237.

Cupertino, CA – July 8, 2011 – CRC Health Group, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive network of behavioral health and addiction treatment services, today announced the hiring of LeAnne M. Stewart, MBA, CMA, CPA, as its new Chief Financial Officer. Stewart replaces former CFO, Kevin Hogge, who left the company earlier this year.

“We are pleased to welcome LeAnne to the CRC management team and look forward to all that she will contribute to our company,” said R. Andrew Eckert, CEO of CRC Health Group.

Stewart joins CRC with nearly 25 years of experience in finance. Previously, she served as Chief Financial Officer of Nash Finch Company, one of the country’s largest wholesale grocery distributors, and most recently she was Chief Financial Officer of Granite Construction, a publicly traded, diversified heavy civil contractor and construction materials producer. Stewart spent nearly 10 years at Ernst & Young LLP where she managed complex transactions including the initial public offering of a major airline.

Stewart is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant, and earned her MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

“It’s exciting to join a leading organization like CRC Health Group,” said Stewart. “The company is on the cutting edge of addiction treatment and behavioral health services, and I am delighted to be here to play my part in its continued success.”

Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., CRC Health Group is the most comprehensive network of specialized behavioral healthcare services in the nation. CRC offers the largest array of personalized treatment options, allowing individuals, families and professionals to choose the most appropriate treatment setting for their behavioral, addiction, weight management and therapeutic education needs. CRC is committed to making its services widely and easily available, while maintaining a passion for delivering advanced treatment. Since 1995, CRC has been helping individuals and families reclaim and enrich their lives. For more information, visit www.crchealth.com or call (877) 637-6237.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Contact: Bob Weiner/Rebecca Vander Linde 301-283-0821 or 202-329-1700

FRI. OCT. 9 11:15 AM NEWS CONFERENCE AT BURNS, TN NEW LIFE LODGE 25TH ANNIVERSARY, EXPANSION, DRUG CRISIS NEWS:
999 Girl Scout Road, Burns, TN 37029

WILL ADDRESS ABUSE TRIPLING OF “NEW HEROIN” PRESCRIPTION OPIATES LIKE OXYCONTIN, ONE HALF MILLION TENNESSEANS LACK TREATMENT WHO NEED IT ACCORDING TO HHS

VIP’S 4-STAR GEN.-FORMER DRUG CZAR BARRY MCCAFFREY, CRC HEALTH CEO BARRY KARLIN, TENN. ASST. MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSIONER BRUCE EMERY, NATIONAL AND LOCAL OFFICIALS, POLICE CHIEFS, OTHER TREATMENT LEADERS

GROUNDBREAKING & BALLOON LIFTOFF AS ONE OF COUNTRY’S PREMIER DRUG TREATMENT FACILITIES TO DOUBLE ADOLESCENT PROGRAM, ADD $4 MILLION BUILDING

(Nashville and Burns, TN)–At 11:15 PM on Friday, Oct. 9, Burns, Tennessee’s New Life Lodge, one of the country’s premier drug and alcohol treatment facilities, will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a news conference announcement of doubling its national model adolescent program, groundbreaking of a $4 million expansion, balloon liftoff, and discussion of the ongoing drug crisis.

VIP’s participating from around the country will include Four-Star General and former U.S. Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey, state and local officials including Tennessee’s Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Bruce Emery, police chiefs, national and local treatment leaders, and Dr. Barry Karlin, CEO of New Life Lodge’s parent company, CRC Health Group, the country’s largest substance abuse and behavioral treatment provider with 140 facilities nationwide.

In addition, participants at the events will discuss the crisis which remains, including the tripling of prescription drug abuse of opiates such as OxyContin, the “new heroin”, in addition to cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, designer and “club” drugs, and alcohol. SAMHSA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of HHS) reports that Tennessee is among the highest ten states for non-medical abuse of prescription drugs. According to the federal HHS, almost a half million Tennesseans — 485,000 — need but do not receive drug and alcohol treatment, and 23.9 million people across the U.S. lack treatment.

As part of the events, pop/blues artist John McAndrew, who has sung for NATO heads of state, will perform.

New Life Lodge is located at 999 Girl Scout Road. Burns TN 37029, tel. 615-446-7034 or 866-836-8125.
Gen. McCaffrey, now a national media expert on drugs and terror and West Point professor, stated, “We celebrate the success of treatment but must address the continuing crisis — and New Life Lodge is a model of the way forward. The national and state treatment gaps remain a huge challenge. 23.9 million Americans need but do not receive treatment for illicit drug or alcohol problems according to the latest numbers from HHS. Less than four million receive treatment. In Tennessee 485,000 people need but do not receive treatment.”

Dr. Karlin said, “New Life Lodge is a national model facility with an outstanding adolescent program, and we are proud the facility is doubling its badly needed adolescent capacity pointing the way to recovery.” He added, “The October 9 events signify that we celebrate, honor and remember the patients, families and staff who have gone through treatment, and carry hope for those still suffering from the disease. Drug abuse is a chronic illness just like diabetes and hypertension. Treatment works.”

Joe Pritchard, CRC Vice President who oversees New Life Lodge, and ten-year former Nashville resident, will emcee the events.

Last week, CRC brought new insights (and some much needed rain) to the city of San Antonio, Texas.

On Thursday, June 23rd, CRC Health and Starlite Recovery Center hosted a panel discussion on innovative, science-based treatment approaches to reduce relapse. Attendees included leaders of prominent organizations such as San Antonio NCADD, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, local health care providers, addiction specialists, the press, as well as staff from Starlite Recovery Center.

The media attention was tremendous including a pre-event live NBC interview with General McCaffrey and Andy Eckert, a flurry of radio interviews, and five TV stations at the event.

Attendees gathered at the Witte Museum Memorial Auditorium in San Antonio to learn about the latest developments in relapse prevention, including CRC’s Provita program which blends detox and residential treatment with the FDA-approved medication Vivitrol.

The press conference featured an impressive line-up of speakers, including:

• 4-Star General Barry R. McCaffrey (retired) – Former U.S. Drug Czar
• Andrew Eckert, CEO – CRC Health Group
• Jerry Rhodes, COO – CRC Health Group
• Walter W. Root, M.D., MBA – Co-President of the Bexar County Psychiatric Association
• Molly Hazlett-Simmons – Miss Texas 2007
• Harold Owens, Sr. Director – MusiCares/MAP Fund (the charity arm of the Grammy Organization)

In rousing fashion, General McCaffrey shed light on the scope of the addiction problem in the U.S., highlighting the fact that 24 million people (1.8 million in Texas alone) need help but do not receive it. He also shared a message of hope with those struggling with the abject misery of prescription opiate addiction.

CRC’s leadership, represented by Andy Eckert and Jerry Rhodes, expressed their commitment to closing the “treatment gap” in the U.S. by providing life-saving treatment to more families in need. Starlite Recovery Center, the oldest residential treatment center in the state, is aiding in this effort with its recent Tricare approval and launch of the Provita program.

Harold Owens, who works with famous and up-and-coming artists, and Molly Hazlett-Simmons, whose platform is drug and alcohol education, closed the hour with moving personal stories that underscored the devastating impact of addiction.

After the press conference, attendees were invited to take part in a collaborative question-and-answer session. For about 30 minutes, the group discussed the challenges of treating addiction and brainstormed ways to get local politicians, judges and other influential parties involved in improving the services available to those struggling with the disease of addiction.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 22, 2011
Contact: Bob Weiner/Gavriel Swerling 301-283-0821 or 202-306-1200

SCIENCE BREAKTHROUGHS TO REDUCE NATION’S DRUG TREATMENT GAP NEWS CONFERENCE THURS. FEB. 24 11 AM WITH NATIONAL & CITY LEADERS AT NCADD/PRO-ACT OFFICE, PHILADELPHIA, 444 NORTH 3RD STREET

PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE 4-STAR GEN./FORMER US DRUG CZAR BARRY McCAFFREY, PA DRUG AND ALCOHOL BUREAU DIRECTOR, MISS PHILADELPHIA, NATIONAL COUNCIL ON ALCOHOL & DRUG DEPENDENCE CEO, PHILADELPHIA DEPUTY MAYOR FOR SAFETY, COUNTRY’S LARGEST DRUG TREATMENT PROVIDER CRC HEALTH CEO, OTHER STATE SENS. AND REPS., LAW ENFORCEMENT, TREATMENT LEADERS

(Philadelphia, PA) – Scientific Breakthroughs to Reduce the Nation’s and Pennsylvania’s drug treatment gap will be the subject of a news conference with national, state, and local drug treatment leaders 11AM Thursday, February 24 in Philadelphia. The location is 444 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia 19123, the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence Southeast Council Training Center and office of Pro-Act, 3rd Floor.

Participants will feature Four-Star General and former U.S. Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey, national media expert on drugs and terrorism; National Council on Alcohol & Drug Dependence CEO Robert Lindsey; Pennsylvania’s Drug and Alcohol Bureau Director, Robin Rothermel; Philadelphia Deputy Mayor for Safety, Everett Gillison; Miss Philadelphia, Andrea Helfrich; the CEO of the country’s largest behavioral and alcohol and drug treatment provider, CRC Health Group, Andy Eckert; and other Pennsylvania state senators and representatives, law enforcement, and treatment leaders including the medical community.

Following the 11:00 event, media are welcome to stay for an informal lunch at noon for socializing with attendees and additional interview opportunities.

General McCaffrey stated, “The Pennsylvania alcohol and drug treatment gap of people who need but do not receive treatment is 252,000 according to SAMHSA, and the gap is 21 million nationally. New tools for drug treatment, and public attention to the need for treatment and ways to obtain it, will give people more ways to enter treatment and reduce the number of those who should but do not get help.”

New CRC CEO Andy Eckert added that he is excited to be at the helm of the nation’s largest treatment provider because “We help people. Many people have no way to reclaim their lives after falling into substance abuse, and we help turn them around. Everyone in the field has told me how fulfilling this mission is. We are proud to strive for and achieve clinical excellence through the use of evidence-based treatment.”

Some of the recent breakthroughs to be discussed include a new monthly application recently approved by the FDA. Its launch to counter opiate addiction is being announced at the news conference, and it could be a “game changer” by providing an alternate to daily medication, according to CRC Recovery Division President Jerry Rhodes. “A study just reported in the December 2010 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care analyzed 6000 patients suffering from alcoholism, divided them into two groups of 3000, and found that the group receiving the medication had a smaller percentage of detoxification admissions and fewer inpatient detox days at six months than the group not receiving the medication, “ Rhodes said.

He continued, “Other recent additions to drug treatment include buprenorphine, an alternate medication to methadone; and cutting edge brain scans to demonstrate problems and progress in individuals’ substance abuse and treatment. The new scientific advances complement the comprehensive counseling and tools already in place which will also be discussed.”

(In addition to covering the news conference, with Q&A, and joining lunch, media may request Feb. 24 pre-event morning telephone interviews, by contacting Bob Weiner in advance at 301-283-0821 or cell 202-306-1200).