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 March 14, 2002

BROADWAY MEETS THE MILITARY AT NCADD AWARDS LUNCHEON NEW YORK, NY -– Both the star of a hit Broadway show and a retired Navy psychiatrist will be honored with R. Brinkley Smithers Awards at the 3rd annual Spring Awards Luncheon hosted by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and its New York Affiliate, the Alcoholism Council of New York, on Thursday April 25, 2002 at Tavern on the Green in New York’s Central Park. Elaine Stritch, currently appearing in “Elaine Stritch at Liberty,” and Dr. Joseph Pursch, who has been instrumental since 1962 in the treatment and rehabilitation of addicted individuals, are the latest recipients of the awards given each year since 1987 by the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation to those who exemplify the dedication and spirit of R. Brinkley Smithers, a pioneer in the field of alcoholism. Scott Clark, WABC-TV’s Sports Director, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Ms. Stritch, a Broadway legend, has appeared in such productions as “Angel in the Wings,” “Pal Joey,” Noel Coward’s “Sail Away,” and Stephen Sondheim’s “Company.” "Elaine Stritch at Liberty," created by Ms. Stritch and the drama critic John Lahr, illuminates Ms. Stritch's struggles with heartache, stage fright and alcoholism. “I didn’t know myself till I stopped drinking,” says Ms. Stritch. “I like who I found,” she adds. In 1993, Ms. Stritch and Jason Robards performed a benefit reading of A.R. Gurney's popular "Love Letters" for the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. As Director of the Alcohol Rehabilitation Service at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Long Beach, California from 1973 to 1980, Dr. Joseph Pursch treated numerous public figures, celebrities and professional athletes. Dr. Pursch has served as an expert witness in legal cases, has conducted seminars and lectures worldwide, and has appeared on network television programs including "60 Minutes," "The Today Show," "Good Morning America," "Prime Time Live" and "The Phil Donohue Show." He has been featured in educational films and has written numerous articles and papers in the scientific and lay press. Dr. Pursch has been on the Board of Directors for the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence since 1996. “We’re delighted to have such distinguished honorees,” says NCADD President, Stacia Murphy. “Elaine Stritch speaks eloquently with first-hand knowledge of her struggle with alcoholism and Dr. Pursch has broad experience in the field and has been instrumental in treating such well-known personalities as Betty Ford, Billy Carter, and astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Unfortunately, alcoholism still afflicts millions of Americans and affects their families, friends and loved ones. But through the example of their lives, these two honorees have made a difference.” Tables for the event, which will benefit both NCADD and the Alcoholism Council of New York, range in price from $3,500 to $10,000. For further information and tickets, please call 212-838-6033. With offices in New York and Washington, DC, and a nationwide network of Affiliates, NCADD provides education, information, help and hope to the public. Founded in 1944 by Marty Mann, the first woman to achieve long-term sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, NCADD advocates prevention, intervention, and treatment. In April 2002, NCADD will sponsor the sixteenth national Alcohol Awareness Month. The theme for this public awareness campaign is “Recovery: It’s a Family Affair – and Everyone’s Invited!” For more information, visit: www.ncadd.org. ###

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)