Dear Committee Members:

It is an honor and a privilege to nominate Pat George, a member of the Kansas House of Represenataives for the “America Honors Recovery” Award.

1) Since meeting Pat over 25 years ago, I have watched him evolve into an active, well-respected, dedicated advocate of recovery not only on a local level, but a national level as well. We first met in 1980 while I was serving as Program Director of the Valley Hope Association’s alcohol and drug treatment center in Norton, KS. During that time, Pat and I developed a strong bond. Whether we were discussing chemical dependency treatment or simply playing a game of tennis, we gained a mutual respect for one another and have remained close.

As reflected in his attached curriculum vitae, Pat’s interest in the treatment field continued to develop through involvement in various treatment oriented organizations which included being named to the Valley Hope Association Board of Directors in 2002 under the presidency of Dennis G. Gilhousen.

As the current President of the Association, my interaction with Pat is constant and I am proud to have such a passionate, intelligent, supporter of recovery represent our organization. This past year, Pat was elected to the position of Vice Chairman of the VHA Board of Directors.

2) Pat exemplifies the vision and mission statement of the Johnson Institute. He has remained committed to the recovery solution through his affiliation with a number of treatment/recovery focused organizations, including his seat on the nationally recognized Blue Print for States Policy Panel, sponsored by Join Together, an organization dedicated to advancing effective alcohol and drug policy, prevention and treatment. The seven member panel, led by former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, determines which state organizational and financial structures most effectively support policies to prevent and treat substance-use problems and recommends the most effective ways states can help the largest number of people get the help they so desperately need.

On the state level, Pat has provided testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee supporting the idea of “treatment instead of incarceration” in substance abuse crimes.

He served as President of the Board of Directors for New Chance, Inc. in Dodge City, KS. New Chance, Inc is a treatment center dedicated to providing a nurturing, compassionate and thriving environment for individuals affected by alcohol and other drugs through education, treatment and the recovery process.

His position on the VHA Board of Directors also supports his ongoing efforts to advance the reality of recovery.

3) Pat has used his personal recovery as a driving force behind his heartfelt dedication to providing education on addiction and the treatment options available to those suffering from the disease. His own experience maintains that addiction is generational and he has used his familiarity with abuse to further edify future generations about the impact it can have on individuals as well as family members. Pat has participated in more than 50 interventions and has personally taken at least 40 people to chemical dependency treatment centers. A strong adherent of Alcoholics Anonymous, he has served as a sponsor for more than 100 individuals.

4) Pat’s roots in recovery stem from southwest Kansas but have expanded to a national level. As a State Legislator, he has constant interaction with local and regional members of the community, as well as constituents across the entire state. The national exposure he has gained from his position has enabled him to take part in substance abuse policy panels formed by the National Council of State Legislators and play an instrumental role in shaping future policy issues such as treatment quality, discrimination and policies to reduce and prevent substance-use problems.

In summary, Pat is the ideal candidate to receive the America Honors Recovery Award. His involvement in our organization, and the treatment field as a whole, has been invaluable.

Sincerely,

Kenneth C. Gregoire
President/CEO
Valley Hope Association
Gregoire@valleyhope.com