Addiction, Treatment and Recovery

Leftover coffee and donuts.

That’s really what sparked the creation of a treasured institution that’s been alive and well in California’s Coachella Valley (home to the Betty Ford Center) for coming up on three decades.

Dr. Joe Cruse, who at the time headed the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, noticed that every Saturday at the conclusion of general medical staff meetings, there was always extra coffee and donuts.

It seemed a shame to just throw it all away, so Dr. Cruse suggested to his friends Maribel and Del Sharbut that the refreshments could perhaps be offered at Saturday educational meetings for members of the general community.

Dr. Cruse, Maribel and Del were very visible – and visionary! – leaders of the local recovering community.

Thus was born the Alcohol Awareness Hour (later expanded to its current title, the Alcohol and Other Drug Awareness Hour).

Starting way back in 1977 (five years before the Betty Ford Center itself was founded), talks on various aspects of alcohol and alcoholism were scheduled at Eisenhower (which is, in fact, right next door to what was to become the Betty Ford Center).

At the very beginning, fewer than a dozen persons came to hear the Saturday morning talks. But gradually – thanks to word-of-mouth at AA meetings and other venues – attendance grew.

And yes, there was always coffee and donuts!

Today, this model of a community education program has grown to the point that there are 10 sessions scheduled each January through April. Last year, believe it or not, those 10 sessions attracted 4,000 attendees.

There are three things I love about the Awareness Hour. First, the speakers are virtually always first-class, and have something important to share. Second, it’s thrilling to see so many people (most – but certainly not all – of whom are in recovery) gathered together for a common purpose: to learn more about the insidious and complicated disease that is alcohol/drug addiction. Third, the Awareness Hour is a marvelous demonstration of community, where individuals and families come together in a fellowship of learning.

Speakers over the years have included a who’s-who of top professionals in the addiction/treatment/recovery field, and the 2006 lineup is no different.

From the Center, I’m proud that Dr. Nancy Waite-O’Brien, our Vice President of Clinical Services, is one of the speakers. Nancy is much sought-after on the lecture circuit, and for good reason. To put it mildly, she knows of what she speaks!

Jerry Moe, National Director of the Betty Ford Center Children’s Program, is also on the roster of 2006 Awareness Hour speakers. If you’ve ever heard Jerry speak before, you’ll know to bring Kleenex! He’s an excellent communicator, and has a powerful message: children are the innocent victims of this disease, and they need help, healing and hope just as much as the alcoholic/addict does. The best way to break the cycle of addiction in millions of families here and around the world is to get to the kids. Jerry knows how to do that.

Other speakers this Winter/Spring include Earnie Larsen, from Minnesota; Dr. Jerry Boriskin, from the Advanced Recovery Center in Delray Beach, Florida; and Clancy Imislund, from the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles.

The template for these free community presentations has been replicated in cities throughout the United States. In the Coachella Valley, financial underwriting comes from the Eisenhower Medical Center Auxiliary.

Here’s a thought: if you don’t live in the Coachella Valley, why not plan a vacation here during the next couple of months, and take in a talk!

You won’t be disappointed!

If you’d like more information about the Alcohol and Other Drug Awareness Hour, please call (800) 854-9211.

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2 Responses to “Awareness Hour Anniversary”

1. Mark L. says:

   March 22, 2011 at 4:26 pm

   Dear BFC and crew! As a past presenter for this event, I know the power of the message it sends, the folks it affects and the healing it provides! Bravo!! Keep up the good work. Mark L.
2. Betty Ford Center says:

   March 23, 2011 at 9:58 pm

   Thanks, Mark, and you keep up those great comedy performances. “We are not a glum lot.”