JIM GILLEN TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH EVENTS

PROVIDENCE, RI (September 9, 2009)—Jim Gillen, coordinator of recovery services at The Providence Center, will participate at the 20th annual National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on September 10.

Gillen will represent persons in recovery as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) unveils the results of the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health at the press conference. The annual survey is the government's primary vehicle for determining how many persons are abusing illegal drugs, pharmaceuticals, alcohol and tobacco. The release of the 2008 survey results is the keynote of the press conference, marking a month long observance recognizing the accomplishments of people in recovery, the contributions of treatment providers and advances in substance abuse treatment and recovery throughout the nation.

Gillen will also represent Rhode Island on Saturday, September 20 in New York City at the Recovery Rally, where delegates from 51 states will walk together over the Brooklyn Bridge to celebrate recovery.

The Recovery Rally is a part of The Recovery Project, created by Arts & Entertainment Television. Witnessing the impact of addiction and hope of recovery through their Emmy-winning show “Intervention,” A&E developed The Recovery Project, to raise awareness that addiction is a treatable disease and recovery is possible.

The delegates selected to participate in the Recovery Rally have been in recovery for at least 10 years and are active in addiction awareness in their communities. Gillen, a licensed chemical dependency professional, has been active in Rhode Island’s recovery community for many years, coordinating Recovery Month events and spreading awareness of recovery through music and Native American storytelling. At The Providence Center, Gillen leads the organization’s recovery services, which include a recovery house in Providence, recovery peer coaching programs and substance use groups conducted other Providence Center programs.

“My experience has taught me that recovery is a celebration and a cause for joy,” said Gillen. “Recovery gives us the opportunity to share our talents in our communities and create positive change.”

The Providence Center annually serves over 10,000 adults, children and adolescents experiencing mental illness, substance use and emotional problems. Since its establishment in 1969, The Providence Center has been part of Rhode Island’s exemplary behavioral health care system, offering a comprehensive array of treatment and rehabilitation services. For more information call 276-4020.