The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence fights the stigma and the disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions.

NCADD News Release

For More Information, Contact: Ames Sweet, Director of Communications 212/269-7797, ext. 16

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For Immediate Release February 11, 2002

U.N. Award Honors Alcoholism Pioneer Adele Smithers-Fornaci, Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), will receive the prestigious Pioneer Award presented by the International Council for Caring Communities (ICCC), an international organization affiliated with the United Nations. The award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the quality of life of citizens throughout the world, will be presented as part of the "Public-Private Partnership" benefit program to be held at the U.N. on February 14, 2002. Mrs. Smithers-Fornaci, President of the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation, a long-time advocate for those suffering from alcoholism and drug dependence, began her two-year chairmanship of NCADD in January, 2002. She also serves as an officer on the boards of three NCADD affiliates in Long Island, NY, New York City, and Tampa, Florida. "It is alarming that 1 out of 5 of the aging population is alcohol dependent," said Mrs. Smithers-Fornaci. "Additionally, the harmful use of other drugs - both illicit and prescription - increases this ratio. By creating understanding through education, prevention and treatment, we are able to reduce the stigma and imagine the possible . . . an aging population living healthy, productive lives." Stacia Murphy, President of NCADD, praised Mrs. Smithers-Fornaci for her lifetime commitment to the alcoholism field. "She has worked tirelessly for the last forty-two years in carrying the message of hope and the promise of help to individuals and families in this country and around the world," said Murphy. Mrs. Smithers-Fornaci has been recognized for outstanding achievement in the field of alcoholism and drug dependence by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM); the New York State Drinking Driver Program Directors Association; the Comprehensive Alcoholism Rehabilitation Program (CARP) in Florida; Veritas Villa treatment program; the Portledge School; Family Services Association of Nassau County, NY; and the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. She was recently selected "Woman of Distinction" in Oyster Bay, NY; received the Laura Parsons Pratt Award from the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies in New York City; and accepted the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Service to Youth Award. In addition to her work with NCADD and its affiliates, Mrs. Smithers-Fornaci is the President of the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation, which is celebrating 50 years of philanthropy as the only foundation in America dedicated solely to combating the disease of alcoholism. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (www.ncadd.org) is America's oldest national advocacy health organization dealing exclusively with alcoholism and drug dependence. Founded in 1944 by Marty Mann, the first woman to achieve long-term sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, NCADD continues to be the national voice for those suffering from alcoholism and drug dependency. In addition to its national headquarters in New York City and an Office of Public Policy in Washington, DC, NCADD has a nationwide network of state and local affiliates, providing programs of prevention, education, intervention and treatment. ###

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.

244 East 58th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10022 phone: 212/269-7797   fax: 212/269-7510 email: national@ncadd.org   http://www.ncadd.org HOPE LINE: 800/NCA-CALL (24-hour Affiliate referral)