Demographics, Compensation shape the Addiction Profession

For Immediate Release - Washington, DC

Donovan Kuehn
703-741-7686, ext. 125
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, will host its first Workforce Development Summit in Washington, DC, from March 24 to 25, 2006. A variety of speakers, representing the federal government, NAADAC membership and the private sector will present their views on the challenges and opportunities facing the future of addiction professionals.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)/Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), the federal government's agency that works on addiction treatment, is co-sponsoring the Workforce Development Summit with NAADAC. Addiction Technology Transfer Centers (ATTCs) from throughout the nation will also be involved in the Summit.

The Workforce Development Summit will address how addiction professionals can take leadership roles to benefit their careers, the clients they serve and strengthen the addiction profession. Among the topics planned for discussion are mentoring, shifting demographics of addiction professionals, strategies for entry level professionals, compensation, career advancement opportunities and a special seminar on building a progressive Workforce Development agenda that serves the needs of the addiction profession. The summit will also be the setting for the world premier of a workforce development video, co-produced by NAADAC.

"Workforce Development has been repeatedly raised by NAADAC's members as one of the most pressing issues facing the addiction profession. NAADAC recognizes the diligent work of CSAT on these matters and also recognizes the tremendous work the Addiction Technology Transfer Centers have done on workforce development. Bringing organizations together to deal with these critical issues will help move Workforce Development forward on the agenda of the nation's decision-makers," said Cynthia Moreno Tuohy, NAADAC's Acting Executive Director.

The Workforce Development Summit follows NAADAC's Advocacy Action Day which will bring NAADAC's members face-to-face with decision makers on Capitol Hill.

See the full agenda for the Workforce Development Summit and Advocacy Action Day.