Executive
Committee
Debra
Gilmour, Executive Director
Tim Hartnett,
President; CODA
Barbara Seatter, Vice President; Cascadia
Tanya Pritt, Secretary; Milestones
Don
Ziegler, Treasurer; Serenity
Lane Rick
Treleavan, Immediate Past President; Bestcare
Treatment Services
Eric Martin, Member at Large; ACCBO
Sheila North, Member at Large; Depaul
Treatment Centers
Michael Bean, Member at Large; Emergence
Rick Jones, Member at Large, Choices
Rita Sullivan, Member at Large, On Track
Subcommittee Chairs
Richard Drandoff, Professional Development; ChangePoint,
Inc.
Judy Cushing, Prevention; Oregon
Partnership
Bart Murray, Rural Representative;
New Directions
Phyllis Stewart, Cultural Diversity; NARA
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| From
Executive Director's Desk |
December
2007
With the advent of the holiday season upon us, so is the reality
that for numerous people the hype of these extended celebrations
doesn't live up to personal experience. For many, this time
of the year is fraught with unrealistic expectations of family
harmony, festive gatherings predicated around the consumption
of alcohol, and is a substantial trigger for alcohol and drug
abuse, and a potential relapse from recovery.
Individuals who become overwhelmed during the holiday season
often find themselves further isolated from friends, family,
or colleagues who do not recognize or understand the signals
and symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse, addiction relapse, or
depression that can lead to suicidal thoughts. “For many,
this time of year can be one of the most difficult,” said
OPERA president Tim Hartnett.
Does this sound like someone you know? Do you know what to look
for, or what to do? For
individuals experiencing an immediate crisis situation, OPERA
member organization Oregon Partnership operates a confidential,
professionally trained and staffed statewide suicide helpline
offering assistance and referral to anyone seeking alcohol or
drug treatment, or, mental health services.
The HELPLINE number, 800-923-HELP (4357), is expected to receive
hundreds of calls in the coming weeks. Oregon Partnership CEO
Judy Cushing recently shared, “Our mission is to ensure
anyone who needs help can confidentially call and receive assistance
and referral information from a compassionate and professionally
trained staff of experts and crisis line volunteers.”
So what can you do to celebrate a happy and safe holiday season?
Offer alcohol-free beverages, snacks, and plan activities that
are not centered on alcohol during your event. Listen with a
sensitive ear when a guest declines offers of alcoholic beverages.
No one should feel pressured to consume, or, compelled to offer
explanations for refusing to drink alcoholic beverages. Recognize
your responsibility as a host in preventing guests from becoming
intoxicated, then getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Most importantly, realize the holidays are temporary, but the
choices you make during them could last a lifetime. Establish
fun, safe, and enjoyable traditions that permit you, your loved
ones, friends and colleagues to celebrate the season in a fashion
that truly is a Happy New Year!
NOTE: OPERA members offer educational information, treatment
services, and referral options for those seeking help for alcohol
or drug abuse or addiction. A complete listing of members and
services in your area can be found by clicking the Members
Page of this site. |
Read More Executive Director Messages:
Spring 2008 | Spring 2007 | Winter 2007 | Fall 2007 |
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OPERA
is
a statewide, nonprofit association of private sector and tribal
entities who provide treatment, prevention and training services.
We are dedicated to ending addiction by ensuring the development
and maintenance of the highest quality statewide service systems. |
Mission
OPERA’s mission is to eliminate alcohol and drug problems
and their social, health and behavioral consequences through
use of evidence-based practices; partnerships with public and
private, social and healthcare providers; and advocacy for effective
budget and public policy. |
Vision
We envision a society in which alcohol and drug problems are
recognized as a public health issue that is both preventable
and treatable. We envision a society in which high quality services
for prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug problems are
widely available, and where prevention and treatment are recognized
as specialized fields of expertise. |
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web site was created and is maintained by
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