August 2012 VOLUME 26, ISSUE 2

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Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment & Recovery Services

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SYNTHETIC DRUGS:

Not For Human Consumption

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.

...Gaudenzia ...educates the community on the causes, treatment, and prevention ofaddictions ...and related conditions. from Gaudenzia Mission Statement

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

Since February, Ken Dickinson, MS, RPh, former pharmacist and now Gaudenzia’s Director of Marketing, has addressedaudiences in Philadelphia, Reading, Norristown and Lancasterabout the perils of synthetic drug use. His presentations werearranged by law enforcement, health care authorities, clergy and educators. Additional sessions are scheduled for SchuylkillCounty (PA), Harrisburg and Baltimore. For more information,contact communityaffairs@gaudenzia.org.

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Medical Professional of the Year

Annually, the Caron Foundation, at its Greater PhiladelphiaCommunity Service Awards Breakfast, honors outstandingclinicians and role models in the substance abuse treatment field. On May 18, Kathleen Houston, Gaudenzia’s Eastern

Region Health Services Division Director, received the MedicalProfessional Award. Over the years, Kathleen has worked tirelesslyto help nurse managers and health care administrators recognizeand intervene when substance abuse is present in their employees.She is a staunch advocate for clients with trauma and co-occurringtreatment needs.

Unsung Hero

Also recognized at the breakfast was Frank Mount, Senior Social Worker for Gaudenzia’s Eastern Region, as an UnsungHero. Frank has been employed at Gaudenzia since 1989, meetingclients in detox, jails, courts – wherever they may be – in order tomotivate people and facilitate their admission process totreatment.

Christine Abdur-Rahim

Accolades go to

Kathleen HoustonFrank Mount

This past April, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitationfacilties (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.

Mayor’s Award Recipient

On June 6, Christine Abdur-Rahim, Eastern Region Director of Women’s andChildren’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 recognizingher 28 years of service to the recovering community. Christine has dedicated herprofessional career to improving the lives of thousands of people struggling withaddiction and mental health issues. She has been a voice for people requiringadvocacy, a motivator for those whose spirits had been broken and the approachablerole model to those who needed it most.

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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.

In June, residents of Gaudenzia’s Park Heights women withchildren’s program participated in an outdoor excursion aimed at strengthening team building and communication skills. Each woman completed high wire bridge walks and experiencedblindfolded scavenger hunts. The outing was generously providedby the Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Experience.

Chesapeake RegionGenessee Valley Excursion

Team Building “Naturally”

Beau BidenDE Attorney General

Patricia BlevinsSenate Majority Leader

Jack Markell GovernorAnn Visalli State Budget Director

Rita LandgrafSecretary of Health and Social Services

John McMahonSecretary of Department of Labor

Matt Denn Lieutenant GovernorJulia Blevins Policy Advisor

DelawareSPOTLIGHT ON

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a season of Graduations

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.

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

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. Graham Hetrick

Seth Williams

Gary Tennis

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.

VolunteerHIGHLIGHTS

In Schuylkill County, PA the staff at Preferred Warranties graciouslycontributed their annual bonus earnings to purchase holiday gifts forchildren in residence at Fountain Springs.

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

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This July, contributions from membersof the Greater Philadelphia CommunityAffairs Council enabled several TiogaArms families to visit the PhiladelphiaZoo for the first time.

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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Event

On May 9, Gaudenzia honored Michael A. Rashid, President and CEO of AmeriHealthMercy Family of Companies with the Gaudenzia/Gustave G. Amsterdam CommunityChampion Award. The event was held at The Crystal Tea Room in the WanamakerBuilding, 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.

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

Friends from Jefferson Health System andAmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies

Gaudenzia/Gustave G. Amsterdam Community Champion Award Dinner

Fara S.GraduateSpeaker

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

Gaudenzia Foundation Board Members Maureen Q. Dwyer, Chairman R. Max Bockol with hiswife Annie, and Tobe Amsterdam enjoy the evening

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

Walter D’Alessio,Gaudenzia FoundationBoard Member withMichael Rashid

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

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.

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Gaudenzia Gala

Live Auction high bidder Linda Cardichi takes ownership of her Corvette

Gary Houck, Donna and Edward Grimmchat during the Silent Auction

Honorees Jim, Josie and TracySalinger receive their award.

Paul Henry is drawn to anillustration of the ravages ofaddiction at the Faces ofRecovery Gallery

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

Event“Gaudenzia strengthens afamily by providing treatmentand thoughtful support”Co-Honoree Tracy Salinger

Self-expression comes to Tioga ArmsRecently, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) conducted aneight session series of art projects atGaudenzia’s Tioga Arms apartments in Philadelphia. The program wasdesigned to stimulate the creative andartistic expressions of post-treatmentmothers, together with their youngchildren. Pictured are “self portraits” and abstracts painted by the residents,who also were treated to field trips tolocal art galleries and museums. At the conclusion of the program, participants’ artwork was publicly displayed at PAFA.

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

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

Richard Z. Freemann, Jr.Chairman, Board of Directors

Gadi AronsonDirector of Development

Sara BaumgardnerJulie GirschAndrew KeimigCarole LeeLynanne SchaefferCarol SchonourContributors

Please forward address changes to:

Gaudenzia Gazette 106 W. Main StreetNorristown, PA 19401fmeis@gaudenzia.org

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GAUDENZIA, Inc.Corporate Offices106 W. Main StreetNorristown, PA 19401

www.gaudenzia.org

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