Demographics, Compensation shape the Addiction Profession

For Immediate Release - Washington, DC

Donovan Kuehn
703-741-7686, ext. 125
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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, the health services community and the private sector - will present their views on the challenges and opportunities facing the future of addiction services 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, Partners for Recovery and the national Addiction Technology Transfer Centers (ATTCs) are co-sponsoring the Workforce Development Summit.

The Summit will address how addiction professionals can take leadership roles to benefit their careers, the clients they serve and strengthen the addiction services 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.

On Saturday, March 25th, the summit will also be the setting for the world premiere 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 Transfer Technology 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 Executive Director.

To see the full agenda for the Workforce Development Summit, or to get details on NAADAC's Advocacy Action Day on March 23, 2006, please visit www.naadac.org.