Five Addictions Professionals Honored for Saving Lives

ALBANY, NY (09/17/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today announced the recipients of New York's annual addictions professionals' awards, individuals whose work prevents substance abuse and offers the hope of recovery to the 2.5 million New Yorkers suffering from drug, alcohol or gambling addiction.

Governor David A. Paterson proclaimed September 20 as Addictions Professionals Day throughout New York to acknowledge the professionals who have dedicated their lives to saving lives through Prevention, Treatment and Recovery.

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo said, "The hard work and dedication of addiction professionals exemplifies the highest level of excellence and quality service to the 110,000 New Yorkers served each day. Through their compassion, commitment and expertise, countless individuals and families suffering from addiction are offered the hope for long-term recovery."

Addictions Professionals Day acknowledges the 35,000 paid and volunteer health care professionals who are making the addictions field a "profession of choice."

Through the Addictions Professionals Awards program, OASAS annually presents awards to five individuals whose work reflects the highest level of professionalism and dedication. The awards are presented to a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), CASAC Trainee and Credentialed Prevention Professional/Credential Prevention Specialist (CPP/CPS), as well as an Addiction Physician and an Addiction Nurse.

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo announced the following awards:

Credentialed Prevention Professional of the Year

Nicole Rood is employed by the Seaway Valley Council for Alcohol/Substance Abuse Prevention, Inc., in Ogdensburg. Ms. Rood has distinguished herself in the practice of prevention by taking a lead role in creating the Gambling Learning Center for the Rite Aid Drug Quiz Show. She assisted the St. Lawrence County School Districts in implementing effective tobacco control policies, and hosted seminars on Party Patrol and Controlled Party Dispersal Techniques to Prevent Underage Drinking Parties. Ms. Rood is also of one of the committee chairs of the annual Northern Tier Provider's Conference.

Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor of the Year

Stephanie Tripp is employed by NADAP, Inc. in Brooklyn. Ms. Tripp has distinguished herself with her "person-centered" approach as a case manager for the Project ACE Program. She provides strong leadership and has exemplary clinical documentation skills. Ms. Tripp is an ordained minister and the Coordinator of the Singles Ministry where she provides outreach services to the community in helping individuals suffering from addiction access the services they need to reach recovery.

Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee of the Year

Jeremy King is employed by Odyssey House, Inc. in New York City. Mr. King has distinguished himself through his calm demeanor and objective approach leading to the successful intervention and management of crisis situations. He has organized quality improvement projects engaging individuals in therapeutic recreation to further their recovery. Mr. King has also delivered extensive education on tobacco-free initiatives, and as a volunteer for the Run For Your Life, has become a role model and mentor for individuals striving to compete in marathons.

Addiction Nurse of the Year

Carolyn Drennan, RN, MA, CASAC and the Director of Nurses at Beth Israel Hospital Medical Center – Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program, is employed by Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. Ms. Drennan has distinguished herself as a strong advocate for the addiction field and champion for nurses to enter the field. She serves on various committees to help nurses grow professionally and improve patient care. Ms. Drennan has introduced student nurses to understand patient care in both chemical dependency and methadone treatment. She has given numerous lectures on patient health and substance abuse treatment and volunteers her time to several local and state community events and organizations. Ms. Drennan received the "Renfield Circle of Excellence Award" in 2000 for Excellence in Nursing Leadership."

Addiction Physician of the Year

Dorothy R. Lennon is employed by Tully Hill Corporation in Fayetteville. Dr. Lennon has distinguished herself as one of the first physicians to be named Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM). She is a professional known to effectively communicate with her patients, their families, loved ones, staff and community. Dr. Lennon provides substance abuse training to several educational institutions and is a volunteer for Camp Good Days and Special Times. She is a recipient of the G.D. Searle Medical Medal of Honor for her "unselfish dedication to the treatment of the indigent."

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo continued, "I encourage all New Yorkers to support this day by recognizing the commitment and dedication that is exhibited by these professionals as they strive to help others achieve happy, productive and fulfilling lives.

Thanks to the vital and valuable efforts of these professionals, children stay in school, workers stay on the job, families stay together and roadways and neighborhoods remain safe."

To help further careers in the addiction field and highlight professionals, OASAS is a partner with the Addictions Career Resource Center (ACRC) which will be featuring these five professionals in a Career Profile on their website in September for Recovery Month.

The men and women who comprise the addictions workforce in New York state serve in a wide range of settings - such as hospitals, clinics, community-based programs and schools - and these professionals are highly skilled and trained in the delivery of treatment, prevention and recovery services and provide medical care, counseling, education, social services and family assistance.

There are approximately 7,600 credentialed addictions professionals throughout New York who work to improve lives and make New York state's communities safe and drug-free, and to do so, they maintain the utmost degree of proficiency, the highest standards of ethical practice, and engage in continuous learning and professional development.

OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services systems dedicated to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, with more than 1,550 programs serving more than 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day.

Addiction is a chronic disease, but New Yorkers need to know that help and hope is available. Individuals can get help by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day a week HOPEline, 1-877-8-HOPENY, staffed by trained clinicians ready to answer questions, help refer loved ones to treatment and provide other vital resources to facilitate that first step into recovery.

For more information, please visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.

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