Official Launch of the One-A-Month, Science-Based Medication to Reduce Relapse

On behalf of Four-Star General Barry McCaffrey, the former U.S. Director of National Drug Control Policy and long-time friend to Philadelphia drug treatment services and law enforcement, and Andrew Eckert, CEO of CRC Health Group, the nation’s largest provider of behavioral health and addiction services and owner of the Pennsylvania-based White Deer Run treatment network, we cordially invite you to join us during a news conference announcing the newest innovations in drug treatment options on Thursday, February 24, 2011 -- 11 AM -- at the PRO-ACT Recovery & Training Center, 444 North 3rd Street, Suite 307, Philadelphia.
 
The event, co-hosted by the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (NCADD) and the Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania, will draw major media coverage due to the announcement of a new monthly drug that was just approved by the FDA, complimenting drug treatment services already in use at the White Deer Run and Bowling Green Brandywine facilities in Pennsylvania.  The new FDA-approved medication, Vivitrol, is a potential game changer, allowing at least some opiate addicts to receive a once-a-month, science-based medication to reduce drug relapse, in addition to counseling services.  
 
The event will include national, state and local leaders, treatment experts, providers, the medical community, and law enforcement who know the importance of treatment to reducing crime, recidivism, and jail overcrowding.
 
The Pennsylvania alcohol and drug treatment gap of people who need, but do not receive treatment, is 160,000 according to SAMHSA, and the gap is 20 million nationally. New tools for drug treatment will give people more ways to enter treatment and reduce the gap of those who should but do not get help.
 
We would be honored to have you join us.  Please contact me at (408) 367-2185 or by email with your reply.  Space is limited. 

Date: 
Thursday, February 24, 2011

Location:
PRO-ACT - 444 North 3rd Street, Suite 307, Philadelphia, PA 19123

Agenda:
11:00AM - 12:00PM: Guest Speaker Panel
12:00PM - 1:00PM: Press Conference Luncheon

Featured Panel Speakers: 
Four Star General Barry McCaffery (ret.) - Former U.S. Drug Czar 
Andrew Eckert, CEO - CRC Health Group 
Jerry Rhodes, Recovery Division President - CRC Health Group 
Robin Rothermel, Director D&A State of PA
Richard Pops, Alkermes CEO   
Robert Lindsey, NCADD CEO    
Everett Gillison, Deputy Mayor Philadelphia
Andrea Helfrich, Miss Philadelphia 2010