Lynn Cooper, Senior Policy Specialist at PCPA, was contacted in the summer of 2003 by a reporter from US News and World Report. The national magazine was working on a story highlighting the cost to businesses for untreated alcoholism. Cooper was contacted as a result of consulting work she did for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Cooper’s personal story of recovery began the article published the week of February 2, followed by an examination of the treatment options available. After citing statistics demonstrating the widespread problem of alcoholism, the article goes on to question why so many insurance companies do not pay for treatment and why so many employers do not choose such coverage when it is offered. When asked about the article, Cooper stated “This is an example of the work PCPA is doing to promote awareness that treatment works and appropriate coverage must be provided. I am grateful to US News and World Report for drawing attention to this important issue.”
“We are proud to have a PCPA staff member highlighted in a national magazine,” said George Kimes, Executive Director, “and are confident that by taking advantage of opportunities such as these, alcoholism and its treatment will continue to rise in the public’s consciousness.”
For more information, contact the PCPA office at 717-657-7078.