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June 14, 2007 - Roger Pollock, founder and president of Buena Vista Custom Homes, will be awarded the 8th
annual Freedom Award in July to recognize his contributions to removing the stigma
surrounding treatment for alcohol and drug addiction.
The Freedom Award ceremony and luncheon will be held Wednesday, July 18, at noon in the
Governor Hotel, 614 S.W. 11th Ave., in downtown Portland. Tickets for the event are available
by calling 503-535-1161 and cost $120.
The Freedom Award, granted by De Paul Treatment Centers, is the only award of its kind in
Oregon that recognizes someone in recovery from addiction who also is active with his or her
time and resources fighting the stigma that prevents many from seeking effective treatment for
their disease.
Current statistics show that only 1 in 10 people who need treatment actually seek it, in large part
because the disease still languishes in the shadows of our health care system. Even with current
advances in the science of diagnosis and treatment, addiction is viewed as a character flaw or
moral failing rather than a treatable condition.
Past recipients include state Sen. Ben Westlund, Sam Wheeler, Izzy’s restaurant co-founder Izzy
Covalt, and Dr. Marv Seppala, a principal with Beyond Addictions and former medical director
for Hazelden Foundation.
Pollock has been in recovery for 5 1/2 years and isn’t afraid to talk about how his addiction
ravished his life and how much life has improved since he sought treatment.
Pollock currently serves on the board of Oregon Partnership, the statewide nonprofit dedicated to
awareness and prevention programs for youth. He also is a regular contributor to De Paul
Treatment Centers and other nonprofit treatment providers.
De Paul Treatment Centers, based in Portland, launched the Freedom Award eight years ago to
create a premier anti-stigma event and celebrate those in the community who work tirelessly to
advocate for expanded services.
Proceeds benefit De Paul’s treatment programs offered through the De Paul Youth & Family
Center in Northeast Portland. The center is the only one of its kind in the region and serves
children and families from across Oregon.
About De Paul Treatment Centers
De Paul Treatment Centers is an independent nonprofit agency that provides treatment for
alcohol and drug addiction. De Paul provides a full continuum of care for adults, youths and
families through its two centers in Portland and outpatient center in Hillsboro.
De Paul’s mission is to work with individuals, families and communities to create freedom from
drug and alcohol addiction.
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