Introduction
Welcome to the Evolution of Chemical Dependency Treatment and Services history site. The goal of our site is to produce an historical timeline of events and provide supporting information and documentation relating to the growth and development of the Chemical Dependency field in Washington State. This project highlights events, innovations, legislation and educational advances that took place in our State, but significant events on a national level are also included as points of reference.
Much like the CD field itself, this History Project is in its infancy, and should be considered a work in progress. Dates, events and documentation are provided as they are made available and can be verified. No event is included in the Timeline without the support of reference documentation.
This is a unique project, not only within our state, but nationwide at this time. The CD History project welcomes interest and queries from other regions/states concerning similar research endeavors for their areas .
Project Content
Entries into the Timeline feature: Date, Event, Annotation, and the Bibliographic Citation for the annotated reference. Each entry has at least one cited reference, but many have multiple sources. Relevant sources may be added as they are discovered through ongoing research. The citations referenced may represent website links or historical documents which are provided in PDF format. Appropriate citing of the sources listed should be made if reusing any of this material, and copyright restrictions should be noted. This site has been created as an historical research vehicle. Reproduction of any verbal or visual content from this site for sale or commercial use is strictly prohibited.
As a point of distinction, selected entries in the Timeline are augmented with video clips of interviews with WA State residents who have knowledge and/or experience about the event listed, providing a unique and personal perspective.
Bulleted events in the timeline are represented by the following:
National Event: Federal Legislation
Noteworthy Event: Events which took place outside of WA State, with national significance.
Washington Notable: Events within WA State which were unique to our state or first in the nation.
In addition to the timeline, the site includes a History Project Blog, requesting interested participants to post information relating to historical dates and events, as well as to share their own personal experiences, stories and/or anecdotes from time spent in the CD field. (Click here for our Blog). Also included are resources for continued research in the field, and additional historical documents, not included in the Timeline. (Click here for Additional Resources). Documentation is currently provided in PDF format. Future plans include digitalization of appropriate documents for easier search and retrieval.
Project History
This project began as a discussion between twelve current and retired CD professionals in WA State. The first planning meeting was held on January 31, 2003 at Schick-Shadel Hospital. Since Shadel Hospital was the first facility in the State for the treatment of alcoholism, it seemed like a logical place to start the process. Those present at this first planning meeting were:
Dr. James Smith (Schick Shadel Hospital)
Dick Andrews (Schick Shadel Hospital)
Ann Forbes (The 24 Hour Alcohol Drug Helpline)
Gerry Coughlin (The 24 Hour Alcohol Drug Helpline)
Ken Stark (The WA State Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse)
Mary Ann LaFazia (The WA State Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, retired)
Carol Hoeft (Eastside Alcohol/Drug Center, Therapeutic Health Services)
Dick Mazzone (Lakeside Recovery)
Margaret Jones (Residence XII)
Ardi Bury (Recovery Centers of King County)
Bob Helgoe (Skagit Valley College and Skagit Valley Recovery Center)
Mel Schulstad (Alliance for Recovery)
The initial plan was to commence the research process for historical documentation, and to locate and interview professionals who were willing to share their experiences with the intent of producing a web based document that could be expanded over time. The website began actual construction in July of 2006, and was launched for public use in the Spring of 2007. (Click here for more information about the project team)
Initial funds for the project were contributed by the 24 Hour Alcohol Drug Helpline and the Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (DASA). Additional funding will be provided by individual donors, sponsors and through fundraising events. Please visit our Donor Page for a complete list of contributors, or click here if you wish to become a contributor. (Click here for Donor Page)
Thank you for visiting our site, we welcome your comments and questions.