120 NAADAC Members Are Traveling to Louisiana To Assist in Hurricane Katrina Relief

For Immediate Release - Alexandria, VA

Donovan Kuehn
703-741-7686, ext. 125
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NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals, in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Westover Consulting, Inc., is sending 120 addiction professionals, all of whom are NAADAC members, to Louisiana to assist with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. In the aftermath of the hurricane, thousands of people need help in dealing with their present situation, whether it's addiction counseling, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide prevention or mental health treatment.

Over 200 NAADAC members offered their services in response to a call for volunteers issued by NAADAC. Out of the 200, 120 met NAADAC's health and availability criteria. In the next 72 hours, they will receive information on their deployment.

"Everyone has been phenomenal in their response. We are so fortunate to have so many members of NAADAC going to Louisiana to help those in need," said Shirley Beckett Mikell, NAADAC's Director of Education and Certification.

Those NAADAC members going to assist in the Hurricane Katrina relief effort are nurses, licensed professional counselors, mental health counselors, social workers, psychologists, therapists, those who know sign language and multi-lingual counselors.

"We are so proud to have our members give their dedication, passion and knowledge to the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. When so many feel helpless in a time of crisis, NAADAC's members are answering the call and helping those who are battling their addictions while facing difficult circumstances," said Cynthia Moreno Tuohy, NAADAC's Acting Executive Director.

Keep up-to-date on NAADAC's involvement with the Hurricane Katrina relief through the NAADAC website, www.naadac.org.