Years of service at national and state level is rewarded

For Immediate Release - Alexandria, VA

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

Joseph Deegan was named the 2006 "Advocate of the Year" by NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. He was presented with the award by NAADAC president Mary Woods in March, during NAADAC's Advocacy Action Day in Washington, DC. Deegan is a resident of Cross Lanes, West Virginia.

NAADAC President Mary Woods, RNC, LADC, MSHS, praised Deegan's commitment. "Joseph Deegan is one of many NAADAC members who has an articulate and passionate advocates for the addiction profession and their clients," she said.

Deegan has been active in addiction policy for decades, on both a state and federal level. He serves as co-chairman of the NAADAC Political Action Committee - the only national Political Action Committee dedicated exclusively to advancing addiction treatment, prevention and research, and previously served as chair of the NAADAC public policy committee. He is a member of the National Association of Social Workers Educational Legislative Action Network (West Virginia Chapter), as well as NAADAC.

"Joe is incredibly deserving of this award," said Andrew Kessler, NAADAC's Director of Government Relations. "His commitment to the improvement of the profession, and helping those afflicted with the disease of addiction, comes through loud and clear through his advocacy work at all levels."

"We look forward to several more years of Joe's knowledge and spirit," added Kessler. "He is an asset to NAADAC and to everyone he works with."